I don’t particularly like this time of year. The time when it starts to get dark earlier and earlier. The time when no matter when I run, it’s going to be dark.
While running in the dark can be a challenge, it’s not impossible – you just have to be safe and smart about it. Fact: A car traveling at 57 mph needs at least 200 feet to stop. To allow enough time for the driver to react and stop, you need to be seen at well over 300 feet. By pairing bright colors with strategically placed panels of dark fabric, cars (and other potentially hazardous elements) can recognize body movement and identify the runner sooner. 
be safe
- run on paths/trails that you are familiar with
- wear reflective clothing
- carry an ID
- ditch the music
be seen
- wear reflective clothing
- carry a headlamp or small flashlight
- run with a group (all wearing reflectivity)
According to the National Highway and Safety Administration, almost 50 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur between the hours of 6pm – midnight. As the weather starts to change (and its dark by 4:30pm), make sure to wear a jacket or vest with 360 degrees of reflectivity. Hi-visibility and reflective clothing can guarantee you’ll be safe on the run, even in the darkest conditions.
Whether your a night owl or a morning maven, my favorite reflective pieces will keep you safe and seen on the run.
Try
Brooks Nightlife Collection (and my personal favorite)
Petzl Headlamp
Nathan Reflective Vest
Brooks Reflective Hat, with flashing LED light
What’s your go-to reflective item?
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I go with a headlight and a reflective shirt, but I need to pick up some more reflective gear. I can’t always find the reflective shirt but also stick to very well lit streets. I still feel safe out there, but I know I could do more.
Great tips! I try to avoid running in the dark as much as possible, but when I do, there is one well lit path I stick to that’s always filled with runners.
By the way, I owe you a post and it’s almost done, so hopefully I’ll email it to you this week!
Great post Melody. I just won a $50 Brooks gift card last week and I plan on purchasing some new night life gear with it. Not that I am running enough to really use it this year, but next year I might be!
Great tips! I see so many people out running after dark in black clothes; ridiculous and so very dangerous.
I have no reflective gear yet, have been eyeing the Brooks Nightlife Collection. I’ve been sticking to going out in the daylight, people on my road drive so fast and even in the daylight seem to want to play chicken with me! There are a lot of runners around here and so many of them don’t wear reflective clothing, it scares me to death when I’m the driver!
Great tips! I don’t mind running in the dark, but safety is a very important consideration when you do. I love my headlamp – it makes running more accessible for me no matter what time of year.
I just bought a new reflective vest, the Brooks Nightlife one and it’s good. I was using the ‘fancier’ Amphipod one before but it moved too much or was too tight! I agree that reflective clothing is so important in darkness, great post.
Great tips! I’m always nervous about running in the dark and in the pat have convined myself to the treadmill. I recently discovered Nite Beams and love them! Here’s a recent review I did: http://runningatdisney.com/2012/10/24/stay-safe-in-the-dark-with-nite-beams-giveaway/