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One of my favorite times of day to run is in the early morning before the rest of the world wakes. It’s quiet and gives me time to think before the craziness of my day begins. I prefer to run when the sun is already up, but at certain times of the year, that becomes more difficult. When I do head out in the dark, my first priority is safety. Although I never assume that cars can see me, I try to make myself as visible as possible.
I hear of too many runners, walkers and bikers out with no lights, no identification, wearing dark colors and expecting that everything will be fine and that cars will gladly move out of their way. Accidents happen all the time, but you can reduce the chances they will happen to you. Here are some of the products I recommend to help you stay safe and visible when exercising in the dark.
I’ve used this light for a number of years. It easily clips to your shirt, hat or wherever is most comfortable. The light is very bright (so put it somewhere you won’t have to see it flashing), and traffic will have no trouble seeing it. Depending on the conditions, sometimes I’ll use two: one for oncoming traffic and one for cars or bikes coming up behind me.
Hats are a nice option when you don’t feel the need for a light (or just want extra visibility) but want to be seen. Not only will a neon all-over color or a reflective line help with visibility in the early morning or at night, they're also great for protecting your face from the harsh sun on bright days.
A vest like this one is lightweight and won’t get in the way as you're walking, running or biking in the dark. It also has a little tag in the front where you can put your contact information, in case of emergency. I always thought a vest would be cumbersome until I tried it. I don't even notice I’m wearing this one.
This tape allows you to draw attention to any part of you or your equipment. I find that the majority of my running clothes are black, making me nearly invisible to oncoming traffic at night. I love that I can put this tape on any piece of clothing and still get the safety I need.
These are especially good for runners and walkers, since your arms are constantly moving. I find these easily draw attention to me, and I can wear them in a variety of conditions.
A jacket like this one is nice because it can also double as protection from wind, rain or snow if necessary. I prefer something lightweight and breathable with pockets that zip so that I have a place to keep my keys and identification.
I have a small I.D. that clips to my running shoe. The reflective clip outlines my contact information as well as an emergency phone number for my husband. It’s so important to carry some kind of identification, whether you’re out walking in the middle of a sunny day or on a rainy morning before the sun comes up. Should something unexpected happen along your route, you want people to know who you are, especially if you have any medical conditions.
In addition to wearing the right products to help you stay safe and visible out on the roads, always make sure you’re aware of your surroundings. If you wear headphones, make sure they are turned down low enough so you can hear oncoming traffic. Use crosswalks, sidewalks and bike paths whenever possible. Always tell someone where you’re going and what time you will be coming back. Most of these things are common sense, but it’s easy to forget when you’re busy trying to get out the door. Be a good example and take the time to make sure you’re safe—you never know who it might be helping.
What are some things you do or wear to make sure you stay safe and visible when exercising outdoors?
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Road ID no longer has the supernova lights. I went to purchase additional ones and buy additional batteries to discover they no longer sell them. That makes me sad. I clip one to my pocket and one to my dog's harness since we walk so early in the morning. I also wear a reflective vest. Report
With all the types of reflective stuff out there, there is no reason not to be seen at night. Report
We live in an area where black seems to be the color of choice when walking day or night. I don't understand the reasoning there. Report
I'm an early morning wogger. So I always have something reflective as well as a head lamp for safety. Report
I use the head lamps when I have to be out after dark, but I am on private property mostly. If you have oncoming traffic of any kind (pedestrian, cyclist or motor vehicle) it can cause problems unless you adjust it deeply down angled (also good if you are like me and need to see where you will be putting your feet to decrease falls) and orient away from the other individuals or briefly turn it off to prevent blinding others. Report
I started walking last fall and even continued thru the winter which is a real first for me. Have become more adamant about doing it now. The few times I was determined to get that 2 miles done before dark on the trails didn't work. My only save was the flashlight on the cell phone. Your products really left on impression on me so maybe some day. For now, I make sure that it is done when there will be plenty of light from the sun. Not die hard enough to do the dark time......yet.LOL Report
Thanks for this article about Fitness Accessories. I plan to get a couple of them for gifts for my nephews. AWESOME!! Report
Interesting product ideals. Never thought much about being seen due to I don't go when no light. However, a few times was caught out on hike n bike in dark before could get to van. Used the flashlight on the cell phone. These items make more sense. Report
Those safety equipment is great, however, how can you hear an ER vehicle if you have headsets on and listening to the loud music of this day and age??? Report
Another product that is fantastic, is reflective bands for 4 legged running partners. I ran early and have a black dog that runs with me. So they have been a godsend. Report
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