Jonathan Pushnik
More pedestrians are killed during the hours of 6 to 9 p.m. than in any other three-hour period, and its morning counterpart has more fatalities than midday hours, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Couple your highly visible gear (below) with these stay-safe tips:
- Seek out sidewalks. Choosing a car-free route is even more important if you’re running during low-light hours, as vehicles may not see you until it’s too late. Ask friends, running clubs, or local specialty shops for low- or no-car suggestions.
- Leave the headphones at home. Even with the volume low, you could miss the sounds of an oncoming car; the more senses tuned in to your surroundings, the better.
- Shop smart. Running lights list the amount of lumens, which is how bright the bulb can shine. Most are capable of at least 100, which works for smooth roads under streetlights. Ones with higher lumens—think 300 and up—are best for trails or starless nights. The more technical the terrain or darker the sky, the more lumens you need.
- Look both ways. Don’t assume people can see you. Make eye contact with the driver and wave before crossing at crosswalks.
- Run against traffic. If you must log miles on the road, move against car traffic, not with it. That way you have time to see and react to oncoming vehicles.
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Lightweight and breathable, this water-resistant jacket (featuring a chin-covering hood and runner-favorite thumbholes) shields without overheating. $120, rei.com
2
Tory Sport Hi-Vis Mesh Tank
Quick-drying mesh helps short runs feel cool, and reflective taping keeps you in sight $98, torysport.com
4
Nike Power Flash Epic Lux Tights
Let ‘em see your stripes in luxurious full-length tights. A wide waistband conceals three inner pockets, providing plenty of storage for keys and gels. $120, nordstrom.com
5
361 Degrees 361-Stratomic
Say hello to the cushy neutral shoe your night run needs. It’s both sturdy and soft, making it perfect for the short or long haul. $150, amazon.com
6
Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket
The sleeves of this lightweight, water-resistant jacket ensure that nobody misses your miles—all while keeping wind, light rain, and cool temps at bay. $90, backcountry.com
7
GapFit Men's Camo Baselayer Tights
The camo pattern looks discreet during the day but brings a punch to the party as soon as the lights go down. ($50) $45, gap.com
8
Nathan Sports Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch
LED Light Made with a comfy hand strap, this USB-charged flashlight puts safety first with a rear-facing LED light and a built-in emergency siren. ($60) $55, amazon.com
9
Mountain Hardwear AlpenGlo Dome
Luminescent yarn lines this cozy beanie, so traffic sees you coming in both directions. $30, moosejaw.com
Super lightweight and crazy visible, this slip-on vest is designed for middle-of-the-night miles (the back side is lined with helpful sweat-wicking mesh). Choose between eight different colors and an array of flashing options. $70, amazon.com
11
Asics Lite-Show Favorite Long-Sleeve
Moisture-wicking fabric, flatlock seams (read: no chafing), and a longer-than-usual cut make this a go-to top for cool-weather running. The reflective details add sleek safety points. $55, zappos.com
Stay warm in flashy medium-weight tights. Mesh vents at the back of the knee help regulate body temp, while zippered ankles provide a comfy fit. ($100) $105, runinrabbit.com
13
Nathan Neutron Fire RX Runner's Headlamp
It's small and lightweight enough that it won't slide down your face, yet this headlamp still packs enough light to illuminate hazards. Slip it on with the reflective headband, and charge up via the USB cable when you're done. $55, amazon.com
14
GapFit Reflective Headband
Reflective, sweat-wicking, and fleece-lined, this headband stays put through sprints and long runs. $13, gap.com
15
Oiselle Firecracker Long-Sleeve
Whether you wear it as a warmup layer or sport it the entire run, this futuristic crop packs plenty of star power. $72, oiselle.com
16
Outdoor Research Pentane Tights
A soft, brushed interior makes these undercover camo tights a cozy pick for when temperatures dip. $90, zappos.com
17
New Balance Fresh Foam Boracay v3
It's the plush, cushioned neutral shoe you love, with a metallic silver overlay to kick night style up a notch.$120, zappos.com
18
Oiselle You Glow GRRL Reflective Bra
A comfy gray-by-day racerback bra goes white-by-night, with removable cups to provide shape and coverage. $58, oiselle.com
19
Beauty 360 Stay-Put Performance Reflective Ponytailers
Your hair deserves its own shining moment at all hours of the day. Tie on a few of these reflective hair bands to make it happen. ($3.50) $7, cvs.com
20
Lululemon Surge Warm ½ Zip Reflective
As soon as dusk hits, this modest-looking top busts out show-stopper appeal. A deep chest zip lets you ventilate without losing movement. $118, amazon.com
21
Nathan Sports Lux Strobe RX LED Clip Light
This small but powerful, weather-resistant clip-on lights up red, green, or blue in a variety of modes. $30, amazon.com
These neutral, low-profile shoes encourage a natural stride. Mesh overlays lock feet in place while the black print flashes a rainbow of colors under headlights. $130, amazon.com
Lisa Jhung
Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.
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