How to Stay Safe While Exercising In the Dark
There are many articles about how to stay safe when you go for a run or a bicycle ride after daylight. And yet, people don’t pay much attention to it, because “It doesn’t happen to me.” But it may. So I decided to write about it in Sportlyzer’s blog, too. There are some simple but important things you should follow to stay safe in case you decide to exercise outdoors in the dark.
Be visible! Wear reflective and bright colors and carry a reliable flashlight – not only to see yourself but to be seen by others. Don’t expect drivers can see you.
Always run against the traffic. This way you will have a better view of the vechicles approaching.
Make sure you know the surroundings and/or inform someone about your plans. When you decide to exercise in a new place (e.g. you are on a business trip or you’ve chosen a new route), make sure you know in which kind of area you are exercising (avoid dark areas and side streets), and make sure you inform a friend/family member about your plans. And of course, choose a well-lit route.
Carry an identification or make sure your name, phone number and blood type is written somewhere on your training clothes/shoes.
Don’t exercise alone. If possible, invite a friend or take your dog with you.
Leave your iPod or MP3 player at home. You can’t hear oncoming cars, dogs, or any other potential threat. Cutting of your sense of hearing leaves you at a disadvantage even in daylight but it’s especially dangerous in the dark.
Carry a cell phone or whistle in case you need help.
It’s not necessary to memorize the whole list or completely avoid exercising in the dark but it’s important to do it with some sense of caution. Common sense helps you to avoid most of the potential threats.
