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As summer winds down into fall, it’s important for runners to be mindful of shorter daylight hours. Whether you prefer to run at dawn or dusk, follow these safety tips presented by Wesco to stay visible and alert on your fall runs.

 

Tip 1: Always Bring Your Phone in Case of Emergency

Although it’s a familiar piece of advice, never leave for a run without your phone. While your activity watch might offer some safety features, having your phone on hand is important in case you need to contact someone immediately. Additionally, your phone’s flashlight can be incredibly useful in low light conditions, helping you see better on your route.

 

Tip 2: Stay Visible by Wearing Reflective Clothing

To ensure you’re visible in the dark, wear reflective clothing. Accessories like a reflective vest or headlamp not only make you more noticeable to drivers, but also help illuminate the path ahead. You can also opt for lighter colored or neon clothing to further enhance your visibility.

 

Tip 3: Choose a Familiar Running Route

Stick to routes that you’re familiar with and that have adequate lighting to safely navigate and minimize hazards. Familiarity with your route and good lighting will help you avoid potential obstacles and improve overall safety by reducing the risk of tripping or getting lost.

 

Tip 4: Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Stay alert and minimize distractions on your runs. Avoid listening to loud music and mute distracting notifications on your phone. In low lighting situations, you rely on your other senses such as hearing, and loud music can impede that. Paying attention to your surroundings will help you detect and react to any changes in your environment more effectively, allowing you to avoid potential hazards.

 

As runners, your safety matters! Pair these tips with our other fall weather running tips to help improve overall safety on your runs.