Running Safely at Night: Tips for Runners & Drivers

As the Official Vehicle Partner of the 2025 Brighton Marathon Weekend and an organisation that is highly committed to promoting road safety, Rivervale is keen to share some essential tips for both runners and drivers.

With more runners taking to the streets during dark hours to train, we recognise our responsibility to provide valuable guidance for both runners and drivers. Below are key tips to help everyone stay safe on the roads.

As a Runner

Think about what you’re wearing
Wear high-visibility kit which reflects light so other people and vehicles can see you in the dark. Our friends at Brooks have a specific Run Visible range to help with this.

Run together
Safety in numbers! A group of people is easier to see and means more eyes on potential hazards you need to be aware of. Joining an organised run group or going out with friends is also more likely to motivate you to pull on the trainers during those cold nights!

Plan your route
Knowing where you’re going is never more important than at night. Try to stick to areas that are well lit and popular with other runners. Strava can help you do this through their new Night Heatmaps feature – highlighting routes that are popular between sunset and sunrise.

Use technology to make your run safer
Think about sharing your location, taking your phone with you, and telling someone what time you expect to be home. With fewer people around at night, it could take longer for someone to find and help you if you hurt yourself, so make sure you have a way of getting help.

Could you leave the headphones behind?
Could you try running without music, or with only one earphone in so you can hear what’s happening around you? With less visibility, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.

As a Driver

Stay alert in the dark
Driving in the dark reduces visibility, making it harder to spot pedestrians, especially those without reflective gear. Pay extra attention to parks, running trails, and residential areas where runners are likely to train. Always scan your surroundings carefully and watch for movement, particularly on pavements, junctions and crossings. When pulling away from a parked position on the road, driveway or car parking spot, be very aware of your blind spots too. It’s worth it to take your time!

Adjust your speed
In areas known for running activity, such as near popular training routes or residential streets, reduce your speed. Lower speeds give you more time to react if someone unexpectedly crosses your path or appears from a shadowed area. This can be crucial in avoiding accidents, particularly on dimly lit roads.

Ensure your lights are working
Good lighting is essential when driving in the dark. Regularly check that your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working, and are clean and aligned correctly. Headlights that are correctly aligned will improve your visibility and prevent dazzling other road users, making it safer for everyone.

Minimise distractions
Driving requires full attention, especially in low-light conditions where visibility is already compromised. Avoid using mobile phones or engaging in activities that take your focus off the road. Being fully present behind the wheel ensures you can respond quickly to unexpected movements from pedestrians or other road users.

Can they hear you coming?
Runners often wear headphones, which can limit their ability to hear approaching vehicles, especially an electric or hybrid car. Electric cars are legally required to make a minimum sound of 56 decibels, so pedestrians can hear the vehicle approaching. However, a sound with a frequency of 56 decibels is the equivalent of an electric toothbrush, so runners using headphones are unlikely to hear an electric vehicle approach. To best avoid accidents, consider reducing your speed and using your horn if necessary to signal your presence. Always anticipate that a runner might not notice your approach, even if you believe you are visible to them.

Overall

By providing these tips, we hope that runners and drivers can help create a safer environment for everyone on the roads during the darker months. Whether you are training for the 2025 Brighton Marathon or not, we hope you stay safe on the road.

If you’re worried about your vehicle in these darker months, book a free vehicle health check at Rivervale. Visit rivervale.co.uk to find out more.