Shorter winter days prevent us to go for an outdoor run at daylight. Due to long busy days, we are unable to take some time for ourselves when the sun is still shining. Therefore, we are left only with an indoor treadmill or a night run. Since we are adventurers, we opt for outdoor activities.
However, there is a big difference between running in the daytime or at night. We have to face low visibility, which affects us, runners, as well as other members of the traffic. Here are 8 essential tips for a safer run at night.
1. Headlamp
Wearing a lightweight headlamp does not slow us down. In fact, it only speeds us up, as we are able to see what is under our feet. It also serves as a warning to any opposing cyclists or drivers.
2. Run on pavement
Running on the street exposes us to other traffic members too much. Therefore, the use of the sidewalk is advisable. There, we are more independent from other traffic members. Furthermore, pavements with separated lanes for bicycles and pedestrians are even better, as it separates the two groups.
3. No headphones
The use of them is not advisable even during the day, let alone at night. They simply make us deaf. To sense the external environment properly, we have to pay attention to it and this does not include listening to music via headphones.
4. Cellphone in a pocket
We never know what, where, when, how, and to whom, something might happen. In order to be ready for any inconvenience, make sure to have a cellphone in the pocket.
5. Use lighted streets
Apart from running on the pavement with a headlamp, it is even better to do that on a lighted street. All traffic members will see us more easily.
6. Know the route
Exploring new routes at night is not the right time. Rather stick to your regular route. There you know all the corners, crossings, roads and road holes, so you can expect less unexpected events.
7. Run in group
Imagine running alone at night, with one headlamp on your head. A driver coming towards you will see only one light. He might not know what kind of light that is, a street light, headlamp, bicycle, etc. There is a higher probability for a driver to detect a group of runners, as he sees more lights jumping up and down.
8. Wear reflective clothing
A traffic member coming from behind needs to see us in the back before it is too late. Here reflective clothing with reflective backs comes into consideration. Jackets should have reflective details on arms because those are moving the most. Similar is with pants, which should have reflective accessories on the calves.
