Photodisc/Getty
READ MORE ABOUT:
It was not that many months ago that John Breaux was struck down by a vehicle while picking up trash alongside a highway. Since then, Breaux has become somewhat of a legend among the folks of Colorado. His story reflects a selfless dedication to the environment that has become an inspiration to us all.
His story however is also a reminder to us of the dangers that can go along with do gooding. Riding our bike, walking, or even standing alongside any roadside can be dangerous, but it can be doubled when picking up litter, because our attention is focused elsewhere. To keep yourself at harms distance when taking up a roadside cleaning project, here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
Tip One:
When walking along the road picking up trash, it is a good idea to face traffic as you go. This is the complete opposite of the rules of the road for a bicyclist. This will one, be a constant reminder of the danger ahead of you. Two, it will allow you to see a dangerous situation before it reaches you, and three, drivers are more apt to pay attention to a figure on the road if they can see a face and maybe even meet with their eyes. Don't forget to also watch out for bicyclists who will be much more difficult to hear approaching. They too can travel at high speeds and pose considerable danger to the pedestrian.
Tip Two:
Wear bright colored clothing (reflective armbands are not a bad idea either) and have an LED light attached to your shirt, jacket, arm, backpack, etc.. Just make sure that you can be clearly seen from both the front and the back side. Most folks who work alongside the road for a living wear at least a bright orange vest for safety. Having flashy, reflective colors, and a bright LED light will allow you to be more easily spotted by oncoming motorists. They will then have the advantage to take specific precautions to avoid you.
Tip Three:
Concentrate your cleaning efforts as far away from the road as possible. I can understand that you may want to be as thorough as possible, but some areas of the road are not safe to be under any circumstance. If road barriers are present, you should always stay on the inside of these, even if you see trash scattered on the outside. If you have an extended claw to aid in garbage pickup (a tool I highly recommend), you can reach over and grab as much as you can, but never put yourself in harms way just to grab a few items that are out of reach.
Cleaning up trash from alongside the road is a great way to take care of the environment, but remember the environment will profit most from your continued efforts, so keep it safe so that you may live to clean another day!
More safety tips
7 Safety Tips For Taking the Bus Across Country
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Safety Tips
Adjust Your Hypermilling Habits for Winter Safety
6 Green Scooter Safety Tip
-
- {}
