This time of year, with the shorter days, you may have no choice but to run after dark. You still want to get those daily runs in, but your work schedule means you can’t go until after dinner, and the sun is usually long down by the time you hit the road.
Night running is inherently a bit more dangerous than running during the day, but you can do it safely. Just use these tips:
- Run toward the cars when on the side of the road. You want to make sure they see you in their headlights. Additionally, if someone drifts toward you on the shoulder, you want as much warning as possible.
- Don’t try out new routes. Keep things simple. Stick to the roads you know and the places that you normally run.
- Don’t wear headphones and listen to music. You can’t see as well, so you absolutely need to hear. You also need to be fully aware of everything happening around you at all times.
- Wear a vest with a light. Reflective material helps, but an LED light is better. If nothing else, turn on the flashlight on your phone.
- Do not wear black workout clothes. Pick something a lot brighter. Even if you’re running under streetlights, do everything you can to make sure you don’t blend in.
- Run with other people. A group is more visible than one single runner on the side of the road.
These tips help, but you could still get hit by an inattentive driver. If you do, you may need to look into your options to seek financial compensation for medical bills and related costs.