10 Tips: How to Avoid Injury, While Walking or Running In the Dark

10 Tips: How to Avoid Injury, While Walking or Running In the Dark

The end of Daylight Saving Time means that there is more daylight in the morning, and less in the evening.  That’s good news for early risers, like me, who like to take in early morning walks or runs. However, it’s not-so-good news for evening walkers or runners, who may start out in daylight but may be caught on the road in the dark, placing them at increased risk of injury.

A pedestrian is more likely to be struck and killed by a driver in Florida, than in any other state. In fact, nine of the twenty deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians are in Florida. A 2019 “Dangerous By Design” report from Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition ranked Orlando as the least safe U.S. city for pedestrians. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolis ranked No. 14.

Palm Beach County pedestrian accidents will likely occur with more frequency this year, given the increased numbers of people walking or running on the streets, for exercise, during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some tips for staying safe while walking or running in the dark.

Safety Tips

1. Don’t Keep Your Music Too Loud

Listening to music is a great way to stay motivated. However, using your headphones at top volume can be distracting, keeping you from staying alert to what is happening around you.

When lighting conditions are poor, it’s difficult to see obstacles, vehicles and other walkers or runners. Reducing your hearing means you’re less likely to be aware of oncoming cars, people, and animals.

Use a low-volume setting on your headphones, to ensure you’re still aware of what’s going on around you.

2. Stay Visible

Wearing light colored and high-visibility clothing is essential for walking or running in the dark. It’s important for drivers and other people to be able to see you, so invest in walking or running gear with reflective detailing, or get yourself some high-visibility accessories. You can now find clothing with reflectivity fabrics already embedded in it. Even reflective arm bands or leg straps can make a big difference to your visibility. Also, always ensure you are visible from the front and the back, so both directions of traffic will see you.

If you DON’T GLOW, then DON’T GO!

3. Wear Lights on Your Body

If you regularly walk or run before daylight, or late at night, consider investing in a walking or running headlamp or lights, so that cars and other road users can see you. Again, it is prudent to clip your lights to the front and back of your body, so people approaching from both directions can see you.   You can purchase them easily on the internet. Before you buy, make sure that the headlamps or lights that you purchase will provide sufficient illumination for you to see any holes, depressions, bumps, or any obstacles, such as tree branches or other debris, that may lay in your path. Customer reviews can be useful in making a purchasing decision.

4. Run With a Friend or a Group

The age old adage is true; there is safety in numbers. As the days get shorter, run with a friend, or join a walking or running group. (Quick shout-out to the Palm Beach Roadrunners and the Palm Beach Gardens & Jupiter, Fla.- area Fun Runners­­­­­­­­­­. Both are terrific running groups!)

5. Tell Someone Where You Are Going

It’s always a good idea to tell someone where you’re going. Whether it’s a quick text to a friend or telling someone at home, ask that person to contact you if he/she does not hear from you, after your expected time home.

6. Take Your Phone With You

If you don’t want to tell someone each time you pop out for a walk or run, carry your phone with you– just in case. It’s so easy now to carry your phone with lightweight, and sweat-wicking phone holders. You can also use your favorite run-tracking apps, like Strava, on the go.

7. Walk or Run Against Traffic

When walking or running in poor light, always run against the traffic, so you can see any potential dangers coming. You’re much more likely to be able to get out the way quickly of cars, bikes, or other road users, if you can see them first.

Be aware of headlights too; if you see flashes of light coming around a corner or a busy road, avoid crossing until the vehicle has passed.

8. Take a Well-Lit Route

It’s important for you to be able to see your surroundings, too. Stick to well-lit routes, in order to reduce your risk of tripping or stumbling. It’s worth repeating: If you’re walking or running where there is no light, be sure to wear a headlamp or walking or running lights. Again, you can order them on the internet.

9. Vary Your Routes and Times

Try not to run the same route at the same time every day. Being predictable makes you more of a target, and you’re less likely to pick up on small changes or potential danger.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Trust your instincts. They’re probably right. If you don’t feel comfortable, move to a better-lit area, or head home or back to your vehicle. Many people find it difficult to adjust to any time change. Hopefully, these tips will make the transition easier for you, and will keep you safe on the road in the dark.

Palm Beach County Pedestrian Accident?  We’re Here for You

Having an experienced Palm Beach County pedestrian accident lawyer on your side is extremely important, in order to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you were injured while walking or running, due to the negligence of a third party, then contact an experienced lawyer who cares. Andrea McMillan with the Law Offices of Andrea McMillan, will work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, while helping you put the pieces of your life back together. You will pay nothing up front, and no attorney fees at all, unless we recover damages for you. Call (561) 612-5700  today for a free consultation. We’ll take good care of you.