1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking

Night Walking Strategies - Lights

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Wearing reflective clothing is only the first step, you also should carry a flashlight or wear a flashing light to make yourself even more visible to traffic.

Being Seen

Carrying a flashlight in your hand closest to traffic provides another chance for cars to see you. Or, you may attach small clip-on lights and flashers to your pack or belt. You can find these in the bicycle section of a sporting goods store.

Seeing the Path

Flashlights
A flashlight (torch) or headlamp is also essential for walking safely to see hazards in your path where there are no streetlamps. If you must carry a handheld flashlight (torch) find one that is lightweight but still powerful. I like the LED models because the batteries last longer and the bulbs are almost unbreakable.
Flashlights: Compare Prices

Headlamps
A headlamp keeps your hands free and doesn't crimp your arm swing. Try on headlamps for comfort - get one with adjustable straps so you get a good fit. Again, I prefer the LED models because they weigh less and the batteries last for more hours. You can find a variety of flashlights (torches) and headlamps at outdoors and hunting stores.
Headlamps: Compare Prices

Lighted Hats Hats with LED lights in the cap or bill debuted in 2006.
Head-Lite Running Cap: Review
Panther Vision LED Caps: Review

Follow the Light

You may wish to modify your path if you have a choice of routes. Choose those with the best street lighting and best sidewalks or paths that are separated from traffic.

Next page > Night Walking Rules> Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

More of this Feature
Tip 1: Reflective Glow
Tip 2: Carry a Light
Tip 3: Road Rules
Tip 4: Stranger Danger
Tip 5: Shift Schedule
Tip 6: Indoor Trails
Tip 7: Treadmills
Tip 8: Fun Night Events

Explore Walking
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.