To the editor:

I am an avid runner and anyone who knows me well knows that I loathe the treadmill. So, suited up appropriately I am out there every day even in winter, barring storm conditions or extreme cold.

My normal route takes me from my home in the Bay Spring neighborhood to the bike path, where I get in my miles then backtrack to go home. When there is snow on the path I take a different route through the streets. I am a very careful runner, I never wear headphones, I run facing traffic whenever possible, I always wear bright colors.

I was dismayed enough last week while running the path that at least twice cars did not yield in the crosswalks and I almost got hit. Then today while running up Washington I nearly got hit by three different cars, within minutes of each other!

I know it’s a busy time of year but I would like to implore drivers to PLEASE put down your phone, slow down, and pay attention. The Starbucks gift cards will still be there if it takes you a minute to yield to a pedestrian. However, it will put a serious damper on your holiday if you get arrested for vehicular homicide.

Michele Hurley

Barrington