Exercising Safety

If you are a UGA student, take advantage of the Ramsey Student Center's indoor track instead of jogging alone at night.

• Plan your outing. Always tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will return.
• Don't wear jewelry --it could attract a potential mugger.
• Wear reflective material so that you are visible to traffic and other pedestrians. The material can be on the shoes or on the vest.
• Carry a driver's license or wear an identification tag. As an alternative to carrying identification you can also write your information inside your tennis shoe.

• Exercise in familiar areas where stores and businesses are open during your exercise times. Think someone is following you? Head for an open business.
• Stay alert. With heightened awareness you are less vulnerable.
• Public parks are closed at night for a reason - do not use these areas after hours.
• Don't wear headphones - they prevent you from hearing someone coming up behind you. If you must wear headphones, leave one ear exposed so that you remain aware of your surroundings.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions - if you answer, keep at least a full arm's length from the car.
• Know where telephones are located along your exercise route. Or carry a cell phone.
• Avoid unpopulated areas: wooded or overgrown trails, deserted areas of campus or streets, bushes and parked cars.
• Get an exercise buddy. Jogging with someone is safer and more fun too! A dog would be great as well.
• Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Make eye contact and be observant.
• Call the police immediately if something happens to you or someone else, or if you notice any suspicious people.
• If you feel as if you are being followed, change direction and head for safe, well-lit venues.
• Vary your route.
• Have your door key ready before you reach home.
• Follow your instincts about a person or an area. React according to your intuition and stay away from areas about which you feel unsure.

• Use a well-lit outdoor track, indoor track or treadmill. For UGA students, the Ramsey Center provides a safe alternative to outdoor exercise. Local gyms are another option for early morning or late evening exercise; walkers may also use the Georgia Square Mall.
• Be sure that motorists can see you. Although most athletic shoes have reflective qualities, it is dangerous to exercise in the early morning or late evening without the benefit of reflective materials on your clothing as well.
• If you must exercise outside, be alert. Dawn and dusk offer adequate cover for muggers and other criminals.

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