Staying Visible When Walking & Jogging in the Dark

Just because it’s starting to get dark outside or it’s a bit foggy out, that doesn’t necessarily mean people won’t be out walking or working near the road. For many people, they might only be able to get their daily jog in early in the morning or in the evening. Or if walking is part of a person’s daily commute, they may have to spend time walking in the dark on their way home after the time changes in the fall. 

According to the National Safety Council, 76% of fatal pedestrian traffic accidents in 2020 occurred in dark lighting conditions. So what can pedestrians do to help protect themselves?

Wear Bright Colors

Anything at all that can help you stand out is beneficial, even if it’s something as simple as wearing a brightly colored coat or shirt instead of a black one. Neon colors and other bright colors can help make it easier for drivers to see you if you’re walking or jogging after sunset or before sunrise.

Get Reflective Gear

In addition to wearing brightly colored clothing, reflective materials can be a great way to catch the attention of drivers. For dedicated joggers, this might mean getting a reflective vest or athletic wear and shoes designed to include reflective materials. Another option to consider is getting reflective accessories like scarves or pins that you can attach to your coat or bags. 

Carry a Flashlight

If you have an extra flashlight around the house, taking it with you will certainly help make you more visible. Having a flashlight with you can also help you spot slip/trip hazards on the ground that might be hard to see in the dark, like broken or uneven concrete. 

Worried that a flashlight would be too large and heavy to carry around? Look for jogging and walking accessories that light up. This might include a lighted vest, lighted armbands, or other wearable lights like headlamps or knuckle lights. 

Stick to Crossing at Intersections

If you need to cross a street, doing so at a crosswalk or intersection is generally the safest place to do so. This is true whether you’re walking/jogging at night or during the day. However, at night, intersections and crosswalks tend to be well lit. If it’s not possible to cross at an intersection or crosswalk, make sure you cross in an area where you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and there is enough lighting to make you visible to nearby drivers.

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

It’s a tragic fact that even if you do everything you should do to keep yourself safe and protect others, you can still end up being injured by the actions of others. One moment of distraction or negligence from another driver is all it takes. And pedestrians don’t have the benefit of being protected by things like airbags and seat belts. 

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we’re highly experienced in helping the victims of car accidents in the state of Michigan, and that includes pedestrians and bicyclists. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your case.

Image: Unsplash / Nourdine Diouane