With busy schedules and limited hours of daylight, some runners find their only time to run is in the darkness of early morning or evening. But they may be wondering, Is it safe to run at night or in the morning, in the dark?
Running in daylight is always a safer choice, but if you have to run at night or in the early morning, make sure to follow these guidelines.
Choose a Well-lit Route
It might not be your favorite route to run, but the most well-lit route is your safest choice. Running in well-lit areas offers multiple benefits, including increased visibility, reduced chances of tripping or stumbling, and improved overall awareness of your surroundings. Oncoming cars see you better, and you’ll always be able to see the road and sidewalk, so you can avoid potential hazards.
When choosing well-lit routes, consider well-populated areas such as parks, residential streets with streetlights, or designated running paths that are regularly maintained.
Always Run Against Traffic
It’s easier to avoid cars if you can see them coming. When you run against traffic, you can see oncoming cars and react accordingly, allowing you to anticipate any potential dangers. By running against traffic, you’re also making yourself more noticeable to drivers. You should also avoid running on busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.
Be Visible
If you’re running in the early morning or at night, even at dusk, wear bright colors, such as white, yellow, or orange. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn’t hurt to add more.
Look for clothing or accessories made with reflective materials that are visible from all angles. Reflective vests or jackets with large reflective panels are excellent options, as they cover a larger surface area and provide maximum visibility. Wearing reflective bands or armbands on your wrists or ankles can also be effective, as they provide additional points of reflection.
Use a Headlamp or Flashlight
A headlamp is also a great item for runners who do a lot of early morning or evening runs. If you don’t want to wear a headlamp, there are plenty of options for hand-held lights to run with. Not only will lights keep you visible to oncoming cars, but they’ll help illuminate your path so you’re less likely to trip and fall.
Aim the beam slightly downward to ensure you can see the ground in front of you. It’s also important to avoid shining the light directly into the eyes of oncoming pedestrians or drivers, as this can momentarily blind them and create a hazardous situation.
Always Have Identification on You
Put your driver’s license in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe.
Vary Your Routes and Times
Potential attackers can study runners’ routines and loom in a particularly dark or isolated area. Don’t make yourself an easy target. Switch it up so you’re not always running the same route at the exact same time.
That being said, you should make sure that you run familiar, well-populated routes that you know very well. Running in the dark is not a good time to try out a new route. You don’t want to risk getting lost or putting yourself in an unsafe situation.
Run With a Buddy
There’s strength and safety in numbers. Not only does it provide an additional set of eyes and ears to watch out for any potential dangers, but it also deters potential attackers or criminals who may be less likely to target a group of people. Additionally, running with a friend or a group can make your runs more enjoyable and motivating, as you can chat, encourage each other, and share the experience together.
If possible, try to never run alone. If you’re running alone, let someone know the route you’re running and approximately how long you will be out.
Look for a local running group or convince a friend or family member to run with you.
Carry a Cell Phone
Not only does it allow you to call for help in urgent situations, but it also provides a means of communication with loved ones or emergency services throughout your run. Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out. You can carry it in a running belt or armband, so your hands are free when you’re running.
Watch Out for Bikes and Runners
Even if you’re running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear. This advice applies to running in both daylight and darkness.
Ditch Your Music
Make sure you leave your headphones at home. Cutting off your sense of hearing leaves you at a disadvantage. You can’t hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, dogs, or any other potential threat.
If you run with apps that use voice coaching, keep one earbud in and one out or keep the volume low, so you can still everything happening around you.
Follow Your Instincts and Be Prepared
If you feel that you’re entering an unsafe situation or something just doesn’t seem right, trust your gut and run to a safe location.
Get more tips on how to stay safe during your runs.
