For better or worse we are well into Daylight Savings Time. Right now my Garmin tells me that the sun rose at 7:30am today and will set at 5:27pm. This means that for a lot of people (most people!), when snagging that before or after work run, they will be running somewhat in the dark.

If you are someone who finds yourself hitting the road (or the sidewalk or trail!) during darker hours, it is vital for you to make sure that you are abundantly visible for passing vehicles, cyclists and other runners. While there is more to running safely than visibility, simply ensuring that you can be seen far enough in advance is an easy and simple way to protect yourself and others. Check out these simple tips for staying safe while running during darker hours.

Wear highly visible and reflective clothing.

Did you know that there is a difference between something that is highly visible and something that is reflective? Something is considered highly visible if it is uses bright colors and high contrast. Something that is reflective isn’t necessarily bright but will reflect light. For the best level of visibility you will want clothing and accessories that are both highly visible and reflective.

Put reflective pieces on moving body parts

To increase visual recognition put reflective items on moving body parts like legs and arms — this helps cars recognize you as a moving person, versus just something reflective on the side of the road. If you don’t want to buy a bunch of gadgets and accessories to give you the reflection you need consider trying Safety Skin, a reflective skin spread that comes in a roll on stick. This will let you apply a line of reflectivity wherever and whenever you need it.

Wear a headlamp and/or a light of some kind.

This will not only help you see where you are going but will also help cars see you. Consider lights that blink or flash for even more visual recognition. There are a lot of great clip on options if you don’t want to hold anything in your hand!

Run on sidewalks where able and on the left side of the road when there is no access to a sidewalk.

Sidewalks are obviously going to keep you safer than running on a road in the dark but when that is not possible run on the left side of the road. This will give you a chance to see any incoming cars which will give you time to react if there is a problem.

Run in well lit areas.

While this isn’t always possible, it will greatly increase your safety both from cars (as well as dangerous people) while on your run. Here in Cleveland consider running on Lee University’s campus or heavily trafficked areas of the Greenway.

Run with a friend or in a group.

When it’s dark out consider running with a partner or a group; not only will it add accountability to your running routine it will also help keep you safer. Did you know that we have a weekly group run that meets up at Terra once a week? We meet at 5pm and 5:30pm on Mondays! We run 2 miles at each time slot so if you want a 4 mile run with us, come at 5 and stay for 5:30 or if you only want 2 miles, come at 5 or 5:30. Also, qualify for and join our Terra VIP Facebook group to find running partners!

Stay aware of your surroundings and ditch headphones.

While a lot of us love blasting our music while running that’s definitely not the safest option especially when it’s dark. Instead, consider ditching the headphones all together, running with only one bud in, or switching to bone conduction headphones like Aftershokz which will leave both ears open while still giving you all the music your heart desires.

Carry a phone and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan on returning.

It may seem obvious but running with a phone adds a significant level of safety to your run. Beyond the ability to call for help if something goes wrong, you can also download apps like RunSafe, bSafe or the Road ID App which have features such a panic buttons, alarms, location tracking, and audio and video recording in emergencies. When heading out in the dark, also ensure that someone knows where you are going and when you plan on returning.

Though it can be tough to get yourself out for a run when the sun isn’t joining you, logging miles in the dark has its own special satisfaction — just make sure to go prepared and be safe out there!

Running Safely