This summer, many Bahamians will hit the roads in a bid to stay healthy and active. And, the Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) will be visiting a number of popular exercise spots to help spread the word about staying safe and hydrated while workout out, outdoors.
The CBC team will be distributing Dasani Fit & Safe Summer Packs that will include Dasani reflective armbands, safety tips and refreshing Dasani water. These items will be aimed at ensuring walkers and runners are always visible on busy roadways and that they are aware of ways that they can stay safe while getting fit.
Each week, the CBC team will visit a different location. Those wishing to get a Dasani Fit & Safe Summer Pack can visit the CBC social media pages to find out where the team will be next.
Here are a few additional safety tips that runners and walkers can follow all year long.
1. Walk Facing Traffic When Walking on the Side of the Road
If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic.
2. Cross Safely
At controlled intersections, it is wise to cross the street on designated pedestrian crossings. Make eye contact with any drivers who may be turning. Give them a wave. Make sure they see you.
3. Walk Single File When Not Separated from the Road
Unless you are on a sidewalk separated from the road or you are in a wide bike/pedestrian lane, you should walk or run in single file.
4. Stay Aware of Bikes and Runners
Bike riders should alert you when approaching from behind with a bike bell or a "passing on the left/right." Listen for them, and move to walk single file, allowing them to pass safely. Runners should also call out for passing. Bike-walker collisions can result in broken bones or head injury for either—and you aren't wearing a helmet.
5. Be Visible
Wear bright colors when walking or running in daytime. When walking at night or early mornings, wear light-colored clothing or reflective materials, vests or accessories, like the Dasani armband, to be visible. Drivers are often not expecting walkers to be out after dark, and you need to give them every chance to see you. Be just as cautious at dawn or twilight, as drivers still have limited visibility or may even have the setting or rising sun directly in their eyes.
6. Be Predictable
Make a practice of staying on one side of the path while walking rather than weaving randomly from side to side. Watch your arm motions, or you may end up giving a black eye to a passing walker, runner, or biker.
7. Keep the Volume Down
Don't drown out your environment when listening to music with your earbuds or headphones. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear horns and warnings from other walkers and runners.
8. Hang Up and Eyes Up
Distracted walking due to chatting, texting, or playing games on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as doing those things while driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, tripping hazards, or passing joggers and bikers. Potential criminals can also see you as an easy target. Adopt habits that can keep your phone in your pocket, or at least make it a practice to stop in a safe place to complete your phone tasks before moving on.
9. Know When to Stop Walking
Heat sickness, dehydration, heart attack, or stroke can strike walkers of any age. Learn the symptoms of medical emergencies and carry a cell phone to dial 919. Even if you are a seasoned and well-trained walker or runner, you may experience one of these problems and need to cut your walk short. Encourage your walking friends to stop when they show any concerning symptoms.
11. Be Aware of Stranger Danger
Street safety is a concern for many walkers. Choose walking routes frequented by other walkers, joggers, and bikers. Acting alert and aware can also convince bad guys you are not an easy target.
Use these tips to enjoy safer walking workouts and avoid injuries and accidents.
CBC team members distributing Dasani Fit & Safe Summer Packs
About Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) Ltd. Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) Ltd. (CBC) and its predecessor companies have serviced the Bahamas with Coca-Cola products for over 80 years. With the acquisition of T&C Refreshments in 2013, CBC is now also the distributor for Coca-Cola products in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
In addition to the distribution of the Coca-Cola product line, CBC also offers Schweppes, Fanta, Sprite, Barq’s Root Beer, Dr. Pepper, Goombay Punch, Barritt’s Ginger Beer, Canada Dry, Monster, Vitamin Water, Dasani, Powerade, Minute Maid and Flavorful Juices.
