How To Avoid A New Haven Pedestrian Accident When Jogging At Night

Getting out for some exercise in the winter can be a little more challenging than during the summer months.  Not only are you battling the cold weather, but you are also, in many cases, battling daylight.  With shorter days it can be common for runners to have to run when it is dark out which is the time of day that leaves you more prone to getting into a New Haven pedestrian accident then if you were jogging during the daylight.

There are a variety of reasons why it is more dangerous to go jogging at night, but of course the most obvious is the lack of visibility for you and for drivers to share the road together.  During the day it is much easier for a vehicle to see you jogging then if you are jogging at night.  Visibility is the most essential part of staying safe while out jogging, if you can be seen, you can stay safe.  So then the question becomes, how do you keep yourself safe while you’re out jogging if you are forced to be out when it is dark out?

1.) Wear clothes that are highly visible, even at night.  Reflective clothing is always best, but a decent alternative is brightly colored clothing.  Without the reflective tape or clothing you may find yourself becoming invisible to on-coming traffic which could lead to some serious issues.

2.) Run on well-lit streets.  If you’re running through the streets of New Haven you will have much better luck finding streets that are well-lit and safer to be on at night.  However, if you are running in a neighborhood there is no guarantee that there will be lighting to keep you safe while out at night.  If you are planning on going for a jog at night you should carefully consider your course so you can stay within neighborhoods that have quality street lighting.

3.) Only cross at well-lit and marked intersections.  This is a must-do safety tip for any pedestrian looking to stay safe, but especially those that are out at night.  If you try to cross the street where there are no markings you are asking for trouble.  Getting across the street where there are markings and drivers will be more alert is the best way to keep yourself safe while you’re out at night.  If there are no markings on an intersection you may want to stop jogging and pause at the intersection to do a double check that there is no traffic approaching you.

There are many challenges to maintaining a winter jogging regimen outside.  The weather can be a factor, but so too can the limited amount of daylight.  If you are running at night, in order to avoid a New Haven pedestrian accident, you should do it cautiously and take additional steps that you otherwise might not need to take if you are running during daylight hours.

Of course, no amount of safety procedures can prevent every accident and if you find yourself injured from an accident you may need to speak with an attorney who has experience with this type of case.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case and work with you to protect your long-term interests.