Running at night can be dangerous, but taking precautions such as wearing reflective clothing, running in well-lit areas, carrying a lighting device, running with a partner, and avoiding sloping trails can reduce risks. Vigilance is also important, including leaving music players at home and varying routes. Reflective clothing and battery-powered headlamps are available at sporting goods stores.
While running at night is generally not the safest practice, particularly for women, taking a few precautionary steps can help you reduce the risks associated with running at night. Wearing reflective clothing, jogging in a familiar, well-lit area with level ground, and carrying your own lighting device can make it easier for you to see potential hazards and for oncoming vehicles to see you. Some of the most common accidents involving night runners are usually vehicle collisions due to poor visibility. Running with a partner is also safer than running alone, and experienced runners often recommend carrying a cell phone and letting someone else know your route if you decide to run alone at night.
Reflective vests, running pants, and jackets specially designed for night runners are available at most sporting goods stores. These usually come in bright fluorescent colors like yellow, orange, or green that can be easily visible when any light hits them. Running against the flow of car traffic along the side of a road will ensure drivers see you clearly once their headlights hit the reflective fabric on your evening jogging clothes. Making brief eye contact with the drivers of the vehicle will also increase the likelihood that they will see you and give you enough space to continue your run at night safely.
Going for a run at night is also generally safer when you select a relatively flat and well-maintained running path. Sloping, curvy trails are typically not the best options for night running, as it can be easy to miss tripping hazards such as rocks, tree roots, and sudden changes in grade. Since carrying a regular flashlight in your hand can be uncomfortable while running, a convenient alternative is a small, battery-powered headlamp that fits around your head with an elastic band and provides a clear view of the road directly in front of you.
Vigilance is one of the most important security measures while running at night. Leaving your portable music player and headphones at home will allow you to hear any noise that could spell trouble. This practice will also help you stay aware of your surroundings in all directions. To avoid potential attackers while you run, plan a few different routes to run safely at night, and vary each one from one afternoon to the next.
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