Inattentiveness, distracted drivers, or even just visibility problems - runners have plenty of reasons why they should be prepared and take extra precautions for their late-night runs.
Reflective clothing certainly comes in handy.
Table of Contents:
Why Do We Wear High-Visibility Clothing?
In the workplace, high-visibility clothing helps reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities. This type of clothing is especially popular in busy environments and areas with vehicular traffic. These are ubiquitous in construction sites and industrial areas, as well.
High-visibility clothing, also known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is required by Health and Safety Regulations. It is also crucial in traffic management roles that help increase the margin of safety.
On the other hand, active folks wear high-visibility when they're out biking, running, and hiking during low-light hours.
Why Is Reflective Clothing Important
Reflective clothing serves as a warning that signals the presence of the wearer in areas and situations that may cause potential threats to health and safety.
When To Wear Reflective Clothing/Gear
Work environments aside, you should wear reflective clothing when you're off running, riding a bike, or a motorcycle.
A study showed that cyclists and almost all motorists believed that high-visibility clothing increases visibility. They've also found out that almost all drivers agree that cyclists should wear reflective clothing in low-light conditions.
Does Reflective Gear Really Work To Prevent Accidents
Many studies focused on identifying visibility factors for nighttime drivers. A study by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology showed that the ability of drivers to see pedestrians significantly improves when a pedestrian has a reflective item of clothing.
10 Safety Tips In Running In The Dark
If you enjoy running at night, it is important to wear reflective clothing. Aside from that, here are other tips to ensure you stay safe during your nighttime runs:
1. Always Run Against Traffic:
This tip applies to running in general and regardless of what time of day it is. Running against traffic allows you to have clear visibility of incoming vehicles. By doing so, you and the driver know what the other is doing. This then helps increase safety on the road.
2. Choose a well-lit route:
There are plenty of well-lit areas that you can use for your late-night jogs. Make sure you pick such a route to protect and keep yourself safe at night.
3. Be Visible:
Wearing reflective clothing, headlamps, and even safety vests - these all help in keeping you stay highly visible for nightly runs.
4. Always Have Identification With You:
Wherever you are going, it is crucial to bring identification with you. It could be any ID or a tag with your details on it. It should help put your mind at ease that people will be able to identify you and even know who to call should anything happen to you.
5. Run With A Buddy:
Bring someone with you for nighttime runs. If your friends are unavailable, you can always join running groups in your community. Keep in mind that it is better to have a running buddy - especially for late-night excursions.
6. Bring A Cellphone:
Although bringing a cellphone during your runs can be a hassle, it is helpful should emergencies arise.
7. Watch Out For Bikes and Runners:
Be mindful of other runners, bikers, and your general surroundings to safely run at night.
8. Ditch Your Music:
Even though music has become a must-have when running, you might want to ditch them when you're running at night. You want to hear everything around you, especially when you are running on the road.
9. Vary Your Routes And Times:
The nighttime seems like an auspicious time for crimes to take place. This is why when running in darkness, it is important to vary your routes and times just to be on the safe side.
10. Follow Your Instinct:
If you feel like it is not safe to follow a route, follow your gut. If you feel unsafe running during a particular time, it might do well to sit it out.
Wearing reflective gear alongside reflective clothing is even better. Wearing reflective gloves is one of the easiest ways to add reflective elements on you for your runs. Here are some things you need to consider when getting a pair of running gloves:
Here are some things you need to consider when getting a pair of running gloves:
• Material: Try to look for a breathable pair with moisture-wicking properties to keep your hands dry while keeping them warm.
• Comfort & Fit: Make sure that your gloves deliver a snug yet secure fit to maximize comfort before purchasing. Running gloves come in various sizes. Here's our size chart to guide you on how to identify your appropriate size.
• Versatility:You want a pair of gloves that you can wear in other situations. You can find running gloves you can use in other activities like driving, biking, etc.
• Grip:
Even though you don't necessarily have plans in holding anything while running, it is still a good idea to get a pair of gloves with a good grip. You never know what you need to touch when you are out at night, such as your mobile phone.
• Touch-screen compatible:
A touch-screen compatibility feature you don’t need to take off your gloves when using your phone.Our gloves have touch-screen-friendly tips in the index finger and thumb that will allow you to navigate your mobile phone easily.
• Reflective:
Get yourself a pair of running gloves with reflective features to keep you safer at night. Our reflective running gloves will keep you safe during your night runs.
• Protection:
Make sure the running gloves can give you maximum protection from outside elements and weather conditions.
• Weight: You want a pair of lightweight gloves that are easy to use and will not feel like a burden when running.
Conclusion
Wearing reflective clothing and gear when you are out running at night is crucial. Make sure you shop for the right clothing before you head out for the night.
Here at GearTop, we have two types of running gloves you can choose from. OurTouch Screen Reflective gloves are perfect if you will run at night because of their reflective elements. At the same time, it features grippy elements in the palms for a secure grip. On the other hand, our Touch Screen gloves will keep you warm and comfortable during your chilly runs.
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