Exercising Safely in the Dark

Exercising outdoors is great for your mental and physical health. But as the number of daylight hours wanes, it pays to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe.

As exhilarating as exercising in the dark can be, it’s also a safety hazard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 80% of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur at night or in low-light  conditions. 

However, with the right precautions, there’s no need to give up the joys of good workout when daylight hours are short.

1. Choose a well-lit route

Always opt for the well-lit route when exercising in the dark. While it may not be your preferred route, lighting makes you visible and increases your chance of noticing potential hazards like cracks on sidewalks or loose stones on the road. For added visibility, consider sporting a headlamp or flashlight.

2. Be seen

Reflective, brightly colored clothing makes you more visible to others when you’re out and about.  Today, runners have reflective gear options to cover them from head to toe. If you’re on a bike, invest in flashing bike lights, reflective tape, and gear to make sure you’ll be seen coming and going.

3. Head in the right direction

If you’re biking, always ride with traffic. If you’re running on walking, always go against traffic. No matter your choice of exercise, always cross at corners and crosswalks with traffic.

4. Know your route

Don’t venture on a new path for the first time in the dark. Scout out new routes in daylight so you can observe sharp turns, uneven sidewalks, hidden drives, etc.

5. Let others know your plan

If you’re heading out to exercise alone, let someone know your planned route and when you expect to be back. Always carry your ID, cellphone, and insurance card with you in case you do run into trouble.

 Alternatively, try to exercise with others. Look for local walking, running and cycling groups.

6. Know yourself and your limits

Consider shortening your outdoor workout or skipping it altogether during extreme weather conditions. Just as seasons change, workouts can too. Know that it’s okay to head home and that there are lots of options to consider from there.

7. Stay aware of your surroundings

Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is key to safety. If you exercise with headphones, keep the volume at a level at which you can hear approaching traffic, people, or barking dogs.

Finally,

8. Trust your intuition.

If something feels amiss, don’t hesitate to take proper precautions. There’s no shame in cutting your workout short or calling a friend (or even the police) if you’re feeling unsafe.