Ask The Expert: Exercising in the dark? Increase your Visibility!

August 19, 2024 – Defence Stories

Caption

Two silhouetted members run on the deck of an RCN ship.

Q: I recently took up running to lose weight and get into better shape. I enjoy running in the late evening due to work and family responsibilities. My partner is often concerned for my well-being when I exercise outside in dark conditions. Do you have any advice on how I can improve my safety?

A: Kudos for your dedication to getting fit, but your partner is correct to be concerned. While running in the evening or early morning hours has its benefits, it can also be dangerous - you should take some precautions to ensure that people driving vehicles and other nighttime exercisers see you coming.

People exercising on or near the road are often unaware of how hard it can be for drivers to see them at any time of the day; at night or the early morning hours[JS1] , the lack of ambient light can make them nearly invisible. The following are some practical options that avid nighttime or early morning runners, walkers, and cyclists can use to ensure that they are easier to see:

• Wear a reflective safety vest or clothing with reflective strips.
• Clip on a safety light if wearing a backpack.
• Carry a handheld flashlight.
• Wear bright clothing.
• Wear a head lamp.
• Buy a bike light.
• Put additional reflectors on your bike.
• Get your dog a flashing safety collar.
• Get a bicycle bell.

Bottom line: When exercising near the road, remember that just because you can see oncoming traffic, doesn’t mean the drivers can see you. Exercise smart - be seen!

Dr. Darrell Menard OMM MD, Dip Sport Med
Dr. Menard is the Surgeon General’s specialist advisor in sports medicine.

Strengthening the Forces is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program providing expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to improve CAF members’ health and well-being.