Night Runner’s – See and be Seen!
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 at
3:21 pm
Comments (1)
With winter here and the days getting shorter it presents a problem for runners, walkers and cyclists. They must exercise before work or after work, usually meaning before sunrise or after dusk. Being out in the dark presents a variety of visibility problems for pedestrians and drivers. The two most important tips to remember when out at night are to SEE and BE SEEN!
Runners, walkers, and cyclists vision is poorer at night, which makes it harder to see oncoming potholes, branches, wire fences and other hazards hidden in the dark. Carrying a small mag light or a lightweight modern LED flashlight is very efficient and compact for the amount of light that they put off. If you do not want to carry a light in your hands then try a headlamp flashlight.
Drivers need to see you. There are several easy solutions to making yourself visible to traffic. Avoid wearing dark colored clothing. Light colored clothing reflects more light. Choose modern highly reflective clothing that is designed for maximum nighttime visibility.
There are several reflective options. Many active wear companies sell apparel for night exercise. The apparel is made of highly reflective fabrics. Not only does this clothing help to make you highly visible but it also can protect you from the cold winter weather. Many companies sell reflective jackets, thermal vests and long sleeve shirts.
Reflective safety vests, like the ones worn by many roadway workers, can easily be worn over regular workout clothing. Reflective vests create a bright glow of the outline of your body helping oncoming traffic to see you.
A very simple item is reflective tape. It is designed to reflect light back to its source and allow drivers to see you from any direction. It is easily applied to any clothing you are wearing.
Remember that just because you are wearing reflective gear doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take extra precautions. Light yourself up like a Christmas tree and don’t let the darkness stop you from exercising but please be prepared to SEE and BE SEEN!
Runners, walkers, and cyclists vision is poorer at night, which makes it harder to see oncoming potholes, branches, wire fences and other hazards hidden in the dark. Carrying a small mag light or a lightweight modern LED flashlight is very efficient and compact for the amount of light that they put off. If you do not want to carry a light in your hands then try a headlamp flashlight.
Drivers need to see you. There are several easy solutions to making yourself visible to traffic. Avoid wearing dark colored clothing. Light colored clothing reflects more light. Choose modern highly reflective clothing that is designed for maximum nighttime visibility.
There are several reflective options. Many active wear companies sell apparel for night exercise. The apparel is made of highly reflective fabrics. Not only does this clothing help to make you highly visible but it also can protect you from the cold winter weather. Many companies sell reflective jackets, thermal vests and long sleeve shirts.
Reflective safety vests, like the ones worn by many roadway workers, can easily be worn over regular workout clothing. Reflective vests create a bright glow of the outline of your body helping oncoming traffic to see you.
A very simple item is reflective tape. It is designed to reflect light back to its source and allow drivers to see you from any direction. It is easily applied to any clothing you are wearing.
Remember that just because you are wearing reflective gear doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take extra precautions. Light yourself up like a Christmas tree and don’t let the darkness stop you from exercising but please be prepared to SEE and BE SEEN!
