Staying Safe When Running in the Dark

In winter, darker mornings and evenings mean that you need to take extra care when out running or jogging. There is certainly no need to curtail any fitness regime just because it’s winter.< In fact, running year round will ensure that you keep in good physical shape.

However, there are a few important adjustments and considerations you should make when running in the dark.

Wear Reflective Clothing

Just like cyclists, you should wear brighter coloured clothing preferably and you can buy specialist sportswear which comes already designed with in-built reflective panels. Alternatively, buy fluorescent strips which you can fix onto your existing clothing. Not only will this allow motorists to see you at distance in the event that you are about to cross a road or you’re running along a road with no pavement, it’ll be easier for other pedestrians and cyclists to see you as well.

A head torch, similar to one worn by climbers or cavers, is also an additional safety feature you might wish to consider.

Always Face Oncoming Traffic

Especially where there are no pavements, you should always run on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. The only time you would run on the other side of the road is if you’re approaching a blind spot on the corner. This would apply to any runs you go on even in daylight, but it is especially important at night.

Leave The Music At Home

Many people prefer to run whilst listening to music but if it’s dark, it’s best to leave your music at home. Without the same degree of visibility all around you, you’ll need to rely on your hearing more to assess any risks such as cars approaching or cyclists.

In fact, when you run in the dark, it sometimes takes a bit of time for your senses to adjust so, as it gets dark each winter, it’s often better to start off running at night in more well-lit areas first of all until your senses get acclimatised.