How To Stay Safe While Walking at Night

Walking at night can be very peaceful and a great way to clear your mind, but doing so comes along with a number of risks. Not only is visibility reduced but the chance of encountering potentially dangerous situations is also increased. By adopting some of the practical safety measures that we will explore in this article, you can significantly reduce the risks that walking at night presents. 

Plan Your Route Beforehand

Before taking off on your late-night adventure, it is important that you plan out your route and choose one that you are familiar with. You will want to avoid taking shortcuts that may take you through potentially dangerous or secluded areas, such as alleys, parks, and poorly lit streets. Mapping out where you are going ahead of time can help you avoid getting lost and ensures that you will be walking in a safer area,

Walk in Well-Lit Areas

When choosing your route, be sure to choose one that has well-lit walking paths. Having street lights on your route increases visibility for not only yourself but drivers around you as well. Additionally, these well-lit areas are often more likely to have foot traffic, adding an extra layer of security and safety. The Seattle pedestrian accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm report that walking in poorly lit areas can greatly increase the chance of a pedestrian accident occurring at night. If there are no well-lit areas near you, it may be in your best interest to walk during the day instead or, at the very least, carry a flashlight with you.

Do Not Wear Headphones

Although wearing your headphones or earbuds to listen to music or a podcast might make your walk more enjoyable, it can also be very distracting. Oftentimes, we get so wrapped up in the music or podcasts that we are listening to that we fail to be aware of our surroundings. For example, our headphones may block out important auditory cues such as approaching footsteps. Additionally, wearing headphones while walking increases your chances of being a potential crime victim as they capitalize on your inattention. Therefore, it is in your best interest to put aside your headphones and be fully present on your walk.

Avoid Walking Alone

Whenever possible, avoid walking alone and instead walk with a friend or, better yet, a group of people. There’s safety in numbers and having other people by your side can help to deter potential threats. Additionally, in the event of an emergency or an accident, you will have additional people by your side to support you and help get you the help you need.

Wear Reflective Gear

The final tip that you can adopt to help keep you safe at night is to wear reflective gear. As previously mentioned, visibility is a primary concern when it comes to walking at night as pedestrians are easy to miss in the dark. However, by wearing reflective gear such as vests, armbands, shoes, shirts, shorts, headbands, or hats, you will greatly increase your visibility.