Running safely in the dark can be a challenge. For many of us it is the only way to get in our miles. With the sun setting early this time of year, after work or after supper runs will be in the dark for some time now.

Running Safely in the Dark are 9 safety tips offered by Road ID. These are the folks who provide the bibs that many of us wear at races. There business is providing wearable ID and emergency contact bracelets, shoe tags and the FIXX ID. The FIXX ID is a dog tag like ID tag named in honor of Jim Fixx.

In addition to ID products, Road ID also offers high visibility lighted and reflective items such as belts, clip on lights, stick-on reflective strips and other items. Road ID also has a line of clothing for runners, cyclist or just hanging around.

Running Safely in the Dark

1. Be visible. Wear bright clothes—neon is good, reflective is even better. Choose running shoes and apparel that have reflective strips. If your shoes don’t have any, add some reflective tape. Consider wearing a reflective vest, a headlamp, or flashing light (red, blue, or green, work best). You can’t be too visible.

2. Always run against traffic. This may be true all of the time, but it’s essential in low light conditions. When possible, pick roads that have sidewalks or wide shoulders.

3. Pick a well-lit route... Even if it’s not your favorite loop, choose a route on which you can see where you’re going—and more important, drivers can see you.

4. …And a known one. Don’t go exploring new routes after dark. Stick to streets and areas you know well. The last thing you want is to end up running 10 miles when you only wanted to run five.

5. Grab a buddy. There’s strength and safety in numbers (Bonus: The camaraderie might increase your speed or mileage, too). If you must run alone, let someone else know your plan before you head out (see tip #8).

6.Always carry ID. In an accident, First Responders will want to know who you are, who to contact and important medical information. Be prepared for the unexpected. Wear a Road ID.

7.Ditch the headphones. Music, podcasts, and other distractions block out the sound of cars, dogs, cyclists, and other potential threats. If you really need a beat, use one earbud and keep the volume low.

8.Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, trust your gut—especially in the dark.

9.Consider a safety app. Bolster your safety with a digital tool like the Road ID App, which allows chosen family and friends to track you in real-time and be alerted of your location if you stop moving. An added perk: you can create a custom lock screen with emergency information.

You can download a pdf of these tips and use them for a hand out at your next running club meeting. If you coach kids in school or at the Y or Boys and Girls Club this would be a good hand out to use.

We all lead busy lives with hectic schedules. As athletes we often feel invincible. Combine busy and invincibility and you can get reckless behavior.

Be smart and ruin well my friends!

Andy

Disclosure – Road ID is an affiliate sponsor of this web site and this post.

© 2016 andrew nagelin