It’s officially New Year’s resolution time. If you’re on the path to a healthy 2017 by running before or after work this winter, you’re probably running in the dark. So is running at night safe? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 70% of pedestrian deaths occur between the hours of 6 pm to 6 am, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? Follow these tips below to learn how to safely run at night.
"This belt adds a nice reflective band that can be seen from 360 degrees. It's a great addition to the lights and other effective gear I already use. Plus, not only does it add safety, but it's functional to carry my phone, a little cash, my keys and a tazer." -- Verified FlipBelt customer
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Wear reflective material
Nearly any advice on staying safe while running at night, starts with the fact that quality reflective material is a must-have to increase visibility. Choosing a well-lit route and wearing reflectors is crucial to helping motorists see you well in advance. Protect yourself with the one item that is featured for its performance and reflective capabilities by RunnersWorld, RunSociety and Run247 -- the FlipBelt Reflective Running Belt.
Designed to give runners an effective and comfortable way to be seen at night while comfortably carrying accessories, the highly reflective belt is an easy way to make you highly visible to drivers. With fewer daylight hours, the safety reflective belt is a much-needed accessory to keep you safe.
Incorporating ultra-reflective 3M™ materials, the belt increases your visibility without weighing you down or adding an extra layer of bulk like a reflective vest. In addition to using the long lasting, high quality 3M™ materials, the belt allows you to easily carry cell phones, keys, ID cards, cash and other devices like these for medical needs or safety. The FlipBelt provides a secure and bounce free fit that doesn’t ride and comfortably fits over clothing for maximum reflectiveness.
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Ditch the headphones
When it comes to staying alert to your surroundings, research increasingly indicates that wearing headphones can impact your safety. According to a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, there has been a 300% increase in the amount of runners wearing headphones that were involved in accidents in the last six years. 70% of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
Maximizing your ability to be alert to your surroundings is sound advice to staying safe. Use good judgement when using headphones and limiting their use is one way to help add safety to your runs.
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Run against traffic
Many runners make the mistake of running with the traffic, but you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. When you run against traffic, you can see a potential accident as it’s coming, which gives you a better chance of running out of the way.
Fewer daylight hours during the winter doesn’t mean you need to be stuck indoors. You can stick to your routine, but need to take smart steps to increase your visibility and make it easier for drivers to see you. Practicing common sense and making sure you are alert and aware of your surroundings also goes a long way to keeping you safe on the road.
