Even though the amount of daylight is on the uptick this time of year, many runners that refuse to run indoors have no choice but to run while it’s dark outside. There are a number potentially dangerous situations that may arise while running in the dark, but easily the most dangerous is the fact that drivers will have a hard time seeing you.

No matter what you wearing to increase the likelihood that you will be seen, the best advice I can give you is to always assume that the driver DOES NOT see you.

When we get behind the wheel, our brains have been conditioned to look for other vehicular traffic, not runners, cyclists, or other pedestrians. And since cars are undefeated in accidents involving a person, you need to do everything you can to be seen while still assuming you aren’t in order to make it home safe.

Some suggestions (with Amazon affiliate links) to help you be seen by drivers while you are running:

• Carry a small flashlight or wear knuckle lights while running.
• Wear reflective vests/belts/gear.
• Wear light colored/neon clothing.
• Run on the left side of the road.

For most runners, myself included, skipping a run because it’s dark simply isn’t an option.

That said, I obviously want to make it home safely to my family after my run, so being safe is my top priority.

So the next time you’re out for a pre-dawn or post-dusk run, make sure to be safe by assuming drivers won’t see you so you can be sure to make it back home in one piece.

For more discussion on this subject, including descriptions of the products listed above, press play below!