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Running Safely on Kerala Roads

Traffic, visibility, stray dogs and personal safety: practical tips for running on Kerala’s roads, day and night.

By Ashkar 2 min read
Two runners on a road at night
Photo: Calvin Craig on Unsplash

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Many runners in Kerala share roads with buses, autos, two-wheelers and pedestrians, often without a proper footpath. A few habits make running much safer.

Traffic

  • Run facing oncoming traffic. In India vehicles keep left, so on roads without a footpath, run on the right-hand side so you can see what’s coming.
  • Use footpaths, parks, grounds and promenades wherever possible.
  • Assume drivers haven’t seen you, especially at junctions and when vehicles are turning.
  • Cross at junctions, and make eye contact with drivers before you step out.
  • Run in single file with others on narrow roads.

Be seen

Early-morning and evening runs often happen in low light. Wear bright colours, and add reflective strips or a reflective vest (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab) and a LED armband (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab) before sunrise or after sunset. A small head torch (Amazon.in, opens in a new tab) also helps you see potholes.

Stay alert

  • If you use headphones, keep the volume low or use just one earbud so you can hear traffic.
  • Watch your footing: uneven surfaces, open drains and potholes are common.

Stray dogs

Dogs are a real concern for runners in many parts of Kerala.

  • Plan routes that avoid areas where you’ve seen dogs gather.
  • If a dog approaches, slow to a walk or stop. Running away can trigger chasing.
  • Stay calm, don’t stare at the dog, and move away slowly, keeping it in view.
  • If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes and go to a hospital the same day for rabies post-exposure treatment. Rabies is preventable with prompt treatment but almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Personal safety

  • Tell someone your route and expected return time, or share your live location.
  • Vary your routes and times if you run alone regularly.
  • Choose well-lit, busier routes in the dark.
  • Run with a group. Joining a running club is one of the best ways to stay safe and motivated.
  • Carry your phone, some money and ID, and set up emergency information on your phone’s lock screen.

Frequently asked questions

Which side of the road should I run on in India?

On roads without a footpath, run on the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic, so you can see vehicles approaching.

What should I do if a dog chases me while running?

Slow down or stop, stay calm, avoid staring, and move away slowly. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound for 15 minutes and seek rabies treatment the same day.

Sources

  1. World Health Organization: Rabies fact sheet (opens in a new tab)

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are returning from injury, talk to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new training plan. Read our editorial policy.

Ashkar

Ashkar is the founder of KeralaRunners, a marathoner, and a Procam Slam finisher. He started KeralaRunners to help people across Kerala take up running, find others to run with, and learn from each other. He writes about the everyday decisions runners face, from choosing their first pair of running shoes to preparing for their next race.