The sun sets at 4:14 in my location as of today, December 6^th.  As much as we might wish it were otherwise we have short days and little light to get in our outdoor activities.  I was talking with a customer the other day about visibility on the road this time of year.

She said, “Everyone needs a public service announcement!”

Of course, not many will read this, but regardless of whether you are running or walking for fitness, walking your dog around the neighborhood or walking to the mailbox there are some rules of the road that are helpful and allow motorists to see you better.

Always walk against traffic

I saw a couple walking their dog on a country road that had a limited shoulder.  They both wore headlamps (good!) But their backs were to traffic and they both were wearing dark colors.  Their headlamps help light the way for them, but do virtually nothing to allow motorists to see them.  Their dark cloths blended right in with the pine trees and the dirt shoulder of the road.  While we do want motorists’ eyes on the road, we also want to be able to see them coming.  Our reaction time is important too – if we see a car coming from a distance we are able to adjust our positioning on the shoulder, wave a flashlight or simply be ready.

Wear reflective clothing

Headlamps are great for helping you see, but a reflective piece of apparel makes you more visible to motorists. Leaving out the variable of how distracted drivers are, I can tell you that you are very difficult to see while wearing dark colors in the dusk or dark.  I am looking for you on the road – as a former runner and current religious dog walker I know you are out there.  But many drivers do not expect to see pedestrians on a quiet country road.  I find it hard to see people wearing dark colors even while being alert and aware of the possibility.  Reflective gear is moving with you and movement catches the motorists’ eyes.

Your ears are your best eyes

(quote attributed to my former Team in Training buddy and coach Rick Muir)

I do love a good podcast, but if you are walking in a dark area on the road with no sidewalks available — your ears really are your best eyes.  You will hear a car coming, dog barking or rustling in a nearby shrub many seconds before you see the source.  At night it isn’t worth it to take any chances.  Forego the airpods and let all your senses do their job.