It's dark and I don't want to be hit by a car (Read 1108 times)

My wife calls me a vampire runner as 90% of my runs are when it's dark outside. I tend to run either after the kids go to bed (so 9 p.m. or later) or really early in the morning before work (5 a.m. or so). I try to wear light-colored clothes and I either don't bring my mp3 player or turn it way down so I can easily hear the cars. I'm really good about being aware of cars and I move off the road completely when a car approaches. But I'm thinking there has to be some sort of reflective gear for runners when it's dark outside. Or a light maybe? My shoes have some reflective stuff on them but I'm thinking it's probably not enough. I'd appreciate any suggestions from other "vampire" runners.

-Headlamps -Reflective Vests (someone posted some good link a while back on reflective clothes) -clip on blinkers and strobe lights -Reflective Arm Bands and Anklets... I used to wear these when running. Http://www.illuminite.com/ mentioned here Custom LED stuff

I run in the dark (early morning) on a country road with no lights, so it's REALLY dark. I wear a head lamp (one of the more inexpensive ones from the camping store) and a "NiteIze" vest that has reflective strips and two long lights, front and back. I set the back to flash and leave the front solid. I like the NiteIze vest, but I'm not sure how reliable it is -- the front light stopped working a while ago and the back light conked out this week. I said something to one of the guys who works in the store that sold it to me, and he was surprised and told me to bring it back for replacement (I bought it last winter). I'm not sure if this is a recurring problem or if mine is just bad. I think that dampness caused the problem as the contacts look corroded. Iif something intended for runners/cyclists can't get sweat or rain on it, it may not be worth the trouble. I'm looking for this: http://www.endurancezone.com/?i=products&prodID=730 but no one sells it locally. I like how much reflective surface it has for little weight. My local store said they'd special order it for me.

But I would think to a guy it would feel like wearing a bra. (this one is by amphipod)

I have that vest and like it. It fits fine. I don't have manboobs, so I wouldn't know what wearing a bra feels like.

Custom LED stuff

Love those flame pants. I can only image what those would look like running down the street.

1) Reflective vest 2) Blink light on right arm facing rearward 3) LED headlamp - the new ones are really light and not a problem to run with -- and BRIGHT!! You have to think not only of being seen, but WHEN you get seen. Think of being in a car going 55 mph. Often by the time reflective gear show up in the headlights, the care is very close and it's a surprise to the driver if they are not expecting a pedestrian in that spot (like on the back country roads where I run). This can lead to the driver doing something reflexive and unpredictable, like swerving...possible TOWARD you! <rant>> Did you ever notice that MANY drivers' subconscious tendency is to veer off TOWARDS a runner when they see them? Wouldn't you think it makes sense to veer AWAY??? <rant>> This can also lead to an angry driver who goes ballistic because you startled them and then they'll want to turn around and take it out on you. Sounds extreme, but I've seen it happen. The best way are the lights added on so they have increased warning. </rant></rant>

Did you ever notice that MANY drivers' subconscious tendency is to veer off TOWARDS a runner when they see them? Wouldn't you think it makes sense to veer AWAY???

The same thing happens in the winter around here with the first big snow storm. Invariably, you see a big open area along the side of the highway with one tree in the middle, and a car head-on into it. You wonder what kind of bad luck the guy had to skid into the only tree in the field. The answer is you hit where you're looking. You focus on not hitting the tree, but the whole time you're steering you're looking AT the tree. Same thing on the road. The driver that veers toward you is trying to avoid you but ends up steering toward you, because that's where he or she is looking.

That makes 2 of us, I've had them actually hit the high beams when they see me, as if they think I can't see them. I have to come to a complete stop sometimes. But at least they get a better view of my middle finger.

ooo, you're braver than I am. I'm not that worried about random violence, but I do try to not incite it while running alone on a deserted, dark, rural road! I just think evil thoughts.