How to Run Safely

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The two key areas of safety that runners and joggers need to be aware of are injury and victimization. Injuries can stem from tripping on a crack in the sidewalk while jogging to being hit by a car. Very serious injuries can come from very small things, like misstepping. The second, victimization, is much less likely, but extremely dangerous. Let's see how a few easy steps can keep us clear of both of these.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Not Long at All

Here's How:
Think first. Before you go jogging consider these questions: Are your shoes tied? Are you running against traffic or off the street? Are you paying attention to your surroundings? Paying attention to your surroundings may be the most important of all of these tips. It can save you from becoming a victim and from missing that step off the curb. These are all very important things that are just common sense. Keep them in mind while jogging and you'll be well on your way to safety.
Think twice about jogging alone at night. Are you in a safe neighborhood? Are you using a flashlight or headlamp? Are you wearing reflective clothes? Again, these simple concepts can keep you from becoming roadkill or from having your face on a milk carton. It may feel funny running with a flashlight or a headlamp for awhile, but you get used to it and it will cut down on a lot of injuries, as will wearing some reflective clothing, and, no, the strips on your shoes aren't enough.
Don't look like a victim. There are a lot of things you can do to keep from looking good to predators. Changing your route frequently with no discernable pattern, staying out of sketchy neighborhoods, running in groups, paying attention to the news are good tips. Other things like not wearing headphones, looking around you so it's obvious you are paying attention to your surroundings, and standing up straight (looking strong) are also good ways to minimize your chances of meeting harm.
Think like a driver. Remember not all drivers are paying attention; they could be eating, drunk, changing their cd, reading a newspaper (you think I'm kidding?), or talking on a cell. Others may just be sadists and think it's funny to swerve at you. Stay out of the streets if possible. If not, make yourself visible to drivers. Make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross even if you have right-of-way.

Tips:
Shoes tied. Properly dressed.
Never assume you won't get hit while jogging just because you have right-of-way.
Never assume a driver can see you until you've made eye contact. (If they look at you very defiantly, think twice about going into the intersection.)
Let everyone know you are paying attention to your surroundings.
Look where you are going.

What You Need:
A brain
A little knowledge (mostly provided by this article)
Common sense
Running shoes (tied)