Runners need to be smarter about being visible in the dark

In many parts of North America, it’s now dark by 5 p.m., making it difficult or impossible to squeeze in your run in daylight. Runners who don’t drive might not realize how challenging it is for drivers to spot pedestrians in the dark–especially those wearing dark clothing. The person operating the dangerous, fast-moving vehicle must always yield to pedestrians, but is your safety worth gambling that they will see you in time to avoid hitting you?

Many runners do wear reflective gear or a light source, such as a headlamp or arm light. Still, according to Statistics Canada, in 21 per cent of pedestrian fatalities occurring at night between 2018 and 2020, the victim was wearing dark clothing.

Many runners will argue that they are not the one operating the dangerous machine, driving too fast or not paying attention, but runners should always take care to make themselves visible. Dark clothing absorbs light, making runners and walkers difficult, if not impossible, to see in darkness. Just because you have the right of way, doesn’t mean vehicles can see you. Wearing reflective gear is an easy way to meet drivers in the middle and increase your chances of staying safe. (Wearing a light that visible from angles is best, as it can be seen from any direction; reflective gear is also good, but is only effective when illuminated by a light source.)

Safety is a team effort

As both a runner and a driver, I can see the issue from both sides. My instincts make me extra cautious when approaching intersections and crosswalks, whether I’m on foot or driving.

I’ve also been in the position where I’m driving in the dark (with my lights on and at the speed limit), and only see a pedestrian in dark clothing emerge when I’m already very close. Even driving carefully with full visibility and plenty of time to stop, it still gives me a scare.

Mandates for workers endangered by vehicles

The Occupational Health and Safety regulations in all provinces and territories in Canada have mandates in place for workers exposed to the danger of moving vehicles or heavy equipment. Workers must wear high-visibility apparel (typically fluorescent orange or yellow vests) during both daytime and nighttime hours, with the addition of retro-reflective strips at night or in conditions with poor visibility. The laws are in place to make workers easier to see, thus helping prevent vehicular accidents. When runners are exposed to the danger of moving vehicles, it’s not any different. (Maybe runners should be mandated to wear high-visibility clothing as well?)

No, pedestrians are not at fault if they are hit by a car when running alongside or crossing the street. But they should be diligent with taking steps to enforce their own safety where possible–because why not? Wearing some sort of high-visibility gear at night to help drivers see them will do nothing except increase their safety.

posted Sunday November 24th