Hi-Vis: Runner's Guide to Staying Safe & Seen

The nights are drawing in and the chances are that your post-work training sessions are now finishing in low light. Keep your running safe and seen on dark roads by incorporating hi-vis technology into your winter running wardrobe.

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It’s Time to Reflect

Special reflective materials work by bouncing back light from a light source in darkness e.g. car headlights. Unlike pale fabrics they direct light directly back to the source without scattering, meaning drivers can see them easily (known as retro-reflectivity).

Let drivers know you’re there at night, by incorporating reflective features into your running kit. Look for baselayers, jackets and tights with reflective details eg. logos, flashes and piping which will reflect in headlights. Basically, the more reflective features you have, the better – and from as many angles as possible. Also bear in mind that reflectivity on moving parts, such as arms and legs is easier to see than on the torso.

Don’t forget your footwear – most running shoes now feature reflectivity, and the principle is the same – the more the better.

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Wear Bright, Fluorescent Colours

This comes into play when running in poor light conditions during the day, for example in fog, rain and mist or at dusk. Headlights don’t pick up reflectivity in daylight, so all good hi-vis running apparel combines reflective features with bright fluorescent fabrics for day-to-night visibility.

This is because the sun’s UV rays react with fluorescent colours to make them appear to glow in daylight. This effect is increased in low light conditions such as in fog or at dusk – but fluorescent colour does not show up in darkness.

There are some great ranges designed specifically for maximum visibility such as Ronhill Vizion with a range of core apparel and accessories in hi vis designs. Again the more hi-vis fabric, the better your visibility, ranging from contrasting panels through to all over fluorescent fabric. If trusty fluorescent yellow isn’t your thing, studies indicate that oranges and pinks perform equally as well – if not better.

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Lighten Up

A running LED light is an instant way to ensure visibility to other road users. These can clip directly onto a pocket or waistband, or can sit on the arm or leg with a wrap around strap. When choosing an LED, how many hours of illumination it will provide, waterproofness and the amount of visibility it will deliver are all good considerations. Half a mile of visibility is a good distance and a blinking light is more noticeable as drivers perceive this as a hazard. If you’re running on unlit roads, a head torch is also a sensible option. Many of these now feature an LED at the back for extra safety.

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Accessorise

You can also accessorise with hi-vis hats and gloves for added visibility – and if you’re on a budget or your favourite jacket or baselayer is black, combine it with a hi-vis bib and reflective snapbands on your arms and legs for cost effective visibility.

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Finally Remember….Fluorescent for Day, Reflectivity for Night

Finally, a reminder of the key distinction between day and night-time visibility – to be seen day and night your running kit should be both fluorescent and reflective. Stay safe, seen and take care.

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