Pack up the leftover turkey and pumpkin pie. We’re on to the season of holly and jolly, hustle and bustle. It’s also the season of darkness and distraction, stress and possibly danger.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, late autumn from October through December is the worst time of the year for traffic fatalities involving pedestrians. Although runners are in the minority of the more than 5,000 pedestrians killed by vehicles each year, there are a few things we can do to prevent becoming a statistic.

Poor visibility is one of the leading causes of car-pedestrian incidents. NHTSA says that almost 10 percent of pedestrians hit by vehicles were invisible to drivers. Dark, unlit roads, sleet and fog all contribute.

Road Runners Club of America recommends wearing reflective material on any body part that moves to improve visibility. Many shoes and clothing items include reflective material for safer nighttime runs. Stick-on reflective tape or a blaze orange reflective vest from the home improvement store make inexpensive but slightly less fashionable options for visibility.

If possible, run on well lit streets or roads. Headlamps or hand held lights allow you to see more of the road ahead while blinking lights give motorists advanced warning of your approach.

Distraction on the part of both drivers and pedestrians is a contributing cause in many car to pedestrian incidents. Everyone’s daydreaming about Christmas shopping and planning holiday party menus in their heads instead of focusing on the task at hand and the road ahead.

Although we need the stress relief that running provides even more during this pre-Christmas season, resist the urge to zone out. Be aware of each car that approaches and your surroundings in case you need to make a quick exit from the road. RRCA recommends running without headphones, or at least turning the volume down to stay in tune with your surroundings and aware of motorists.

Improper crossing was cited as a cause in 27 percent of vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Remember your elementary school safety lessons — obey traffic signals, always cross at the crosswalk, and don’t dart into traffic. If you must, jog in place until the light changes in your favor.

Obeying traffic signals applies to railroads as well as streets. Last week a Tacoma runner, part of an evening running group, was struck and killed by a train after several in the group skirted traffic barriers.

In a collision of vehicle and runner, the vehicle always wins. Being hit by a car traveling 45 miles per hour has the same impact force as falling from a six story building onto concrete.

The best way to avoid such a devastating meeting is to run where the cars can’t travel. If you’re running in town, run on sidewalks instead of on streets or roads.

Local trails and parks are beautiful in late autumn. Be prepared to light your way with flashlight, other handheld light or a head lamp since darkness comes early this time of year. Slow down if you are new to trail running or new to a particular trail. And let someone know where you are going anytime you venture off-road alone.

Off-road running can present its own seasonal challenges as western PA deer hunting season begins next week. State game lands and some parks allow hunting within their boundaries. Wear your blaze orange anytime you run in the woods from now until the end of the year.

Upcoming Events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Runs, Valencia. Run on rolling country roads. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Runs, Seven Fields. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.: Mojo Trail Nuts Group Runs, North Park. Run on North Park trails. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: WALKer RUN 5k, Conneaut Lake. 814-382-3839 or lauriekurt@gmail.com

Saturday, 11 a.m.: Paw-sitively Purr-fect 5k, Freeport. Run at Birdsfoot Golf Club benefits Orphans of the Storm animal shelter. runforhunger@gmail.com

Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.: Proper Pacing Clinic, Robinson Township. Elite Runners and Walkers clinic demonstrates proper pacing techniques. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Dec. 5, 9 a.m.: Reindeer 5k, Harmony. Also Kids 1 Mile, ½ and ¼ Mile at 10 A.M. http://getfitfamilies.com

Dec. 5, 9 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City. Also youth Elf Race at 8:45 A.M. 814-677-3152 or elizabeth@urban-ins.com

Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: It’s a Wonderful 5k, Indiana. Run through Blue Spruce State Park. Gingerbreadrunning.com

Dec. 6, 9 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k/10k, Oakdale. Run on Panhandle Rail Trail. Please bring a new toy on race morning for charity. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.: Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Choice of four or eight miles. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. 814-321-2993 or nvhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.: Girls on the Run 5k, North Park. Colam12@mail.magee.edu

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.: Autism Frostbite 5k, North Park. Starts at Boathouse, also kids run at 11 A.M. 412-980-0085 or positivemovementz.com/frostbite5k

Dec. 12, 10 a.m.: Snowflake 5k, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-774-3209 or dan.a@erierunners.club

Dec. 13, 10 a.m.: Jingle Bell Run 5k and 1 Mile, Pittsburgh. Run on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, costumes encouraged. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Dec. 13, 11 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run, Meadville. Run on Ernst Trail benefits Toys for Tots. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com

Dec. 19, 11 a.m.: Old Fashioned Christmas in Volant 5k and Kids Fun Run, Volant. Raffle prizes and gift wrapped presents to winners. 724-456-2373 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: First Night State College Resolution Run, State College. Run through Penn State campus. 814-571-1960 or dhel@psu.edu

New Year’s Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-774-3209 or dan.a@erierunners.club

Race Results

Harrison Hills Trail Run 10k, Oct. 31: Justin Weaver, 1st Overall M, 40:43; Noah Bowser, 3rd Overall M, 46:47; Cara DeCario, 1st Overall W, 53:13; Claire Morrison, 2nd Overall W, 58:38; Wyatt Rodgers, 1st 10-14 M, 53:23; Mark Knapp, 2nd 50-59 M, 57:43; John Marty, 1st 20-29 M, 58:28; Tony Swierkosz, 3rd 50-59 M, 1:00:24; Loren Schleiden, 2nd 20-29 W, 1:00:44; Cynthia Callaghan, 1st 50-59 W, 1:00:59; Rayna Derosa, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:05:04; Adam Mohney, 3rd 20-29 M, 1:07:17; Patricia Neubert, 1st 60+ W, 1:08:04; Margie Lynch, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:09:22; Lindsay Walker, 3rd 20-29 W, 1:09:54; Mary Morgan, 3rd 50-59 W, 1:17:34; Erin Troutman, 2nd 40-49 W, 1:18:21; David Lockerman, 2nd 60+ M, 1:22:01; Gretchen Scheetz, 1st 15-19 W, 1:26:15; Mark Casteel, 55:06; David Bowser, 57:00; Adam Susmarski, 57:22; Donald Mckay, 59:54; Nick Barker, 1:02:48; Conor Kennedy, 1:03:31; Thomas Carroll, 1:05:19; Mauricio Borrantes, 1:05:21; Bridgette Kennedy, 1:05:29; Robyn Stewart, 1:05:57; Francine Garrone, 1:07:35; Nicholas Ashenden, 1:08:06; Tracy Bowser, 1:10:30; Nichol Murray, 1:10:43; Zach Wicks, 1:11:01; Cam Troutman, 1:11:30; David Weller, 1:12:41; Suzie Everett, 1:13:04; Colleen Sellers, 1:13:09; Carrie Rodgers, 1:13:53; Chelsea Ardle, 1:15:12; Jim Hedge, 1:15:22; Thaddeus Fields, 1:15:45; Daniel Shaffer, 1:15:48; Alicia Wicks, 1:16:55; Jim Kutcy, 1:17:08; Leah Patinski, 1:17:50; Dana Kapp, 1:20:36; Amy Bonati. 1:21:07; Valerie Wentz, 1:23:08; Prathamesh Kini, 1:25:31; Emily Wood, 1:31:28; Ange Loiseau, 1:39:49; Dave Stokes, 1:40:23; Heather Bittner, 1:40:24; Tamara Slobada, 1:46:13

Harrison Hills Trail Run 5k, Oct. 31: Adam Morrison, 1st Overall M, 26:46; Mike Childress, 2nd Overall M, 28:14; Lysle Reichenbaugh, 3rd Overall M, 28:25; Heather Johnson, 1st Overall W, 33:17; Jim Destout, 1st 20-29 M, 28:30; Timothy Wyant, 1st 40-49 M, 28:54; James Fenn, 1st 15-19 M, 30:09; Jim Rodgers, 3rd 40-49 M, 30:42; Mark Gustetic, 2nd 30-39 M, 31:26; David Bowser, 1st 60-69 M, 31:56; Jeff Harchman, 3rd 30-39 M, 33:08; Patrick Kerr, 1st 50-59 M, 33:50; Travis Domhoff, 3rd 10-14 M, 34:30; Clayton Hamm, 2nd 20-29 M, 34:47; Danielle Weber, 1st 30-39 W, 36:50; Maxwell Weiland, 1st 9 & Under M, 37:01; Kristen Formaini, 2nd 30-39 W, 37:36; Macey Edwards, 1st 9 & Under W, 38:22; Audrey Dougherty, 2nd 15-19 W, 38:31; Noah Ashenden, 3rd 15-19 M, 39:34; Meghan Philp, 1st 20-29 W, 40:06; Lee Formaini, 1st 40-49 F, 40:24; Abby Rodgers, 1st 10-14 W, 40:27; Lex Janes , 3rd 20-29 M, 40:45; Caroline Phillips, 2nd 20-29 W, 42:59; Eve Cole, 3rd 10-14 W, 43:00; Christine Cucinotta, 3rd 20-29 W, 43:11; Don Goughler, 1st 70+ M, 43:23; Kathy Reichenbaugh, 2nd 50-59 W, 45:14; Brayden Wilhelm, 2nd 9 & Under M, 47:03; Paul Tyree, 2nd 60-69 M, 47:27; Tim Hamm, 2nd 50-59 M, 47:34; Steven H. Wise, 3rd 60-69 M, 57:25; Anthony Zuccolotto, 32:44; Thomas Davis, 36:04; Nicholas Horvatic, 36:28; Tyler Smith, 36:45; Benjamin Edwards, 38:22; Gareb Rosensteel, 39:36; Jake Lutz, 40:07; Amanda Briggs, 41:53; Erin Gustavson, 42:03; Dominic Smith, 42:08; Jacki Temple, 42:34; Brenda Bezilla, 43:58; Jeff Spinelli, 43:58; Trisha Slevin, 44:33; Lauren Brink, 44:41; Christopher Price, 44:41; Deb Shook, 45:32; Robynn Smith, 45:38; Mary Mcmahon, 46:54; Jan Holm, 46:54; Megan Minyon, 47:03; Paige McKissick, 49:45; Brittany Prischak, 49:45; Barb Prischak, 49:46; Mikayla Neilen, 49:46; Michelle Bushee, 50:21; Jordan Smith, 52:12; Cyndi Lingenfelter, 55:00; Katherine Adam, 55:02; Kim Kenetz, 58:43; James Edmondson, 59:21; Traci Weller, 1:01:55; Nicole Wing Fotheringh, 1:02:36; Karen Thomas, 1:02:37; Rachel Costa, 1:04:01; Becky Hulslander, 1:05:28; Jessica Churchfield, 1:06:19; Carol Barnes, 1:06:36; Sam Costa, 1:07:32; Dorene Irlbacher, 1:08:26; Jill Costa, 1:09:04; Jenny Edmondson, 1:09:21; Kevin Miraglia, 1:13:41; Debra Kuminkoski, 1:20:03; Jennifer Lee, 1:57:42; Colleen Kennedy, 1:57:42

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle