It’s barely even October and it’s really dark for my dark o’clock runs again. Since I’ve been driving to dark-fifteen track workouts, I’ve noticed how hard it is to see runners who are out before dawn, so I wanted to share these safety tips for running in the dark.
1. Wear reflective clothing. I used to think that wearing light-colored clothing was enough, but during our Ragnar safety orientation they showed us how much more visible you are wearing a reflective vest. These two reflective safety vests for runners seem to be the most popular.
2. Use a headlamp or Knuckle Lights. Using a headlamp
3. Use a clip-on taillight. If part of your route is in the street or along the side of a road, wearing a clip-on taillight will increase your visibility to cars approaching from behind.
4. Obey traffic laws. I know it’s tempting to dash across a seemingly deserted street instead of waiting for a green light, but a speeding car could make that a dangerous decision. Plan you route so you can cross at cross-walks, preferably at intersections with pedestrian crossing signals, and run against traffic whenever possible.
5. Act like cars can’t see you. The hardest thing to remember when I’m running in the dark is that even though I can see cars, they really may not be able to see me. I’ve been reminded of this when I’ve been driving to a dark-fifteen track workouts, and have barely seen a runner dashing across the road in front of me. If you can see a car approaching, stop and wait for it to pass–if you’ve miscalculated your relative trajectories, the car might not be able to see you until it’s too late.
Of course, if you really want to be seen, you should get the Verve vest!
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Do you run when it’s dark outside?
Do you have any more safety tips?
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I’m a scaredy cat and will only run on the trails. And i Love my knuckle lights! Great tips!
I never run at night or early morning but I loved the knuckle lights at Ragnar
Great tips. Always important to make sure you’re seen and safe.
It ticks me off when runners and walkers are dressed in dark clothes with nothing reflective. It’s like they’re asking to get run over. Sheesh! (thanks for the spreading the safety tips)
Well, if it’s me, it’s because I just wasn’t thinking when I got dressed, and forgot all my safety gear, but I’m sure everyone else out there in the dark is an idiot asking for trouble! 😉
I am not a fan of running in the dark but these are great tips!
I hate night running, but cannot avoid it during the winter. Great tips.
Awesome tips – thanks!!!
All good suggestions that I wish more runners would follow. I don’t run in the dark but I see people who do and they don’t always make them selves visable!
Great tips! It is usually pretty well lit where I run, but I think with the winter approaching I should invest in some of these products. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I run alone so I don’t run in the dark, but I do drive to and from work in the dark and I’m always glad when the runners in my neighborhood have on reflective vests and flash lights. Thanks for linking up with us today!
Great tips! I only run during the dark at Ragnar and they require that we wear many of those items.
I definitely need more bright lights to help with visibility for my night runs! Thanks for the tips1
I try not to run in the dark but these are great things to have!
I don’t run in the dark but as a commuter who drives in the dark this time of year, I really appreciate runners who wear reflective or light up gear! Your suggestions are great! Thanks for linking up with us!
I rarely run in the dark. Too tired at night, and thankfully I don’t have to get out there super early in the morning.
I did used to run just a bit pre-sunrise in the summers, but not the past few summers.
Good tips!
I don’t run in the dark. Too scared, too afraid of falling or getting mugged !
I usually don’t have any fear of being mugged. Even running in Chicago. Although there are some places I won’t run alone, it’s not so much a dark/light issue!
Blah it’s getting SO dark in the morning now. I am not a fan of dark running but these are great tips. Thanks for linking up!
I’m looking forward to the time change!