I’ve been thinking of buying a RoadID for quite some time, but never really thought it was all that necessary for running around the neighborhoods near my house. This summer, however, I took a trip to Florida and made the mistake of running in the noontime sun one day. I brought icewater and my cellphone, and only did 3 miles (it was a boneheaded idea, but at least I prepared), but by the time I got back to the house I was feeling lightheaded and was clearly overheating. I was beginning to see flickering stars as I stopped, and I hate to say it, but if I hadn’t arrived home at that moment, I might have succumbed to the heat and passed out. Fainting in the noontime sun in FL would obviously have been very bad, and if I’d been further from home without any ID, first responders would not have had any way to contact my wife.
At that moment, I realized that having something like the RoadID was a really good idea, even when running around the neighborhoods back home. You never really know what might go wrong on a run, and it’s best to be prepared in the event of an emergency. In the summer, heat can sneak up on you really quick, and passing out is not out of the question if you overdo it or haven’t prepared properly with lots of cool water. $19.99 for the classic RoadID is a small price to pay for safety in the event of an emergency, and as a parent of two small kids, I find this to be more important now than ever – this is why my first RoadID is being shipped to me as I write this.
The RoadID comes in several different flavors, including two forms of wristband, a shoe ID that attaches to your laces, an ankle band, and a dog-tag like ID. On each of these, you can choose up to six lines of text for personal information, emergency phone #’s, etc. They’re also launching a new service called RoadID Interactive that lets you, if you choose to pay a bit extra, “build a fully updateable, secure Emergency Response Profile (ERP) that is available to first responders via telephone and internet.“
To top it all off, the people at RoadID are very customer oriented, and highly responsive to e-mail contact. Shipping is only $1.49, and the turnaround to ship after you place an order is quick (mine is on its way only a day or two after my order was placed).
If you’re interested, the people at Road ID sent me a coupon code to share with readers. It’s only a dollar off, but hey, every bit helps I guess! Here’s the code to copy and enter when you purchase: ThanksPeter516021
For more info, visit the RoadID website. You can also follow RoadID on Twitter.
Run safe!
About Peter Larson
I’m on my fourth Road ID. First one about 5 years ago was replaced because I moved 30 miles. The second was replaced because I suffered a stroke in January 2010 and I wanted to add that comment to my ID. All three were the dog tag style and I wear one all the time. But it is usually under one of two layers of shirt or bike jersey, so I just received the Road ID Elite bracelet, which I also wear all the time. It replaced the Livestrong band I ditched after Lance’s comeback. My wallet has driver’s license and insurance cards, and there are copies in my bike’s seat bag, but the Road ID has phone numbers, blood type, and the fact I’m Type 2 diabetic—all useful info in case someone finds me crashed on the side of the road or otherwise unresponsive. I WOULD NOT BE WITHOUT IT…..
I’m on my second Road ID ankle bracelet. (First was stolen along with my bike.) I bought it because I tend to run with only my keys – no money, no ID, etc. I have to admit, I still forget to wear it sometimes. It’s also good for non-athletes & the elderly. My mother has quite taken to the idea. She wears the dog tag daily on a silver chain. I gave a gift certificate to my father for his birthday.