Recently, the Ames community lost a resident to a tragic jogging accident.

Robert Murphy Rothaug, 27, of RR #4 died last Wednesday night at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines from injuries that he suffered when he was struck by a vehicle early last Tuesday morning. Rothaug was jogging along Cameron School Road in north Ames during the accident.

The driver who hit Rothaug was unable to see him due to blowing snow.

With the high number of joggers, the worsening street conditions the and vision problems that occur when the weather is bad, the Story County Sheriff’s Office is making efforts to prevent more tragedies from happening.

With this goal in mind, the Sheriff’s office is offering the following tips for joggers:

* Try to select the safest possible route to jog.

* Don’t jog on the roadway, on sidewalks or shoulders when possible.

* When jogging on the roadway, stay off the traveled portion (on the shoulder) and run against traffic so as to see approaching vehicles. Get out of the way when a vehicle approaches. Do not assume the driver has seen you or will take evasive action.

* Wear light-colored or reflective clothing when jogging in the dark.

* Make sure your vision is not obstructed by a hood or face mask when you are jogging.

* Make sure the driver’s vision of you is not obstructed by other vehicles or stationary objects such as trees, snow drifts or shrubs.

* Be alert and listen for approaching vehicles and warning devices.

Motorists are also offered tips in dealing with joggers or pedestrians:

* Be alert when approaching a person walking, jogging or running in the roadway.

* Be prepared to stop for, or drive around, pedestrians you may encounter.