I would like to apologize to the two ladies running on Tremont Street at 7:30 a.m. that ran into the side of my car as I was waiting to make a right turn onto Tremont Street from E. Manning Street.
I honestly did not see either one of you in the dark, rain and fog this Thursday morning. As a local outdoor exerciser that frequents the streets of North Chattanooga I certainly appreciate alert and attentive drivers. As an alert and attentive driver I also appreciate runners and bikers that make an effort to be seen when choosing to exercise on public roads in the dark.
Please, if you are going to exercise in the dark, in the rain, or at anytime visibility is poor, please make an effort to be seen. Flashing led lights, bright clothing, reflectors, are all cheap and effective ways of making yourselves visible.
I will continue to do my best to see you all. Please help and refrain from exercising in the road when visibility is poor without some type of light.
Matt Raulston
North Chattanooga
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I agree with the reader and appreciate his approach to this incident. Whether you are running, walking, or biking, it is very important to make yourself visible to cars especially when it is dark and raining.
Though it is important for the driver to pay attention to his or her surroundings, it is even more important for those on foot to pay attention to the vehicles on the road. It is unnerving, while driving a car, to pass by someone running or riding a bike at any point during the day, especially when it is dark and raining.
David Shamblin