Safety First With Reflective Running Gear

Reflective running gear is typically worn in the winter months and 3M Scotchlite usually makes the reflective material. This reflective material can be found on jackets, trousers, trainers, tops, hats etc and enhances visibility in low light situations. This reflective material usually comes in the form of stripes and small logo’s on clothes and returns light back to a light source – such as vehicle headlights – creating a bright image that motorists are more likely to see from a distance. As a result of wearing reflective running gear, motorists and pedestrians have more time to react. Scotchlite also looks good and you know that you will be safer when wearing reflective clothes. In fact, it is hard to purchase a running jacket, some trousers and trainers without it on! Some long sleeved tops are even sold in a luminous pink or yellow as well as having reflective material on them.

Usually high visibility clothing is used in the winter but it is useful at other times too. In this country it can be quite dark in the other seasons also. If you are running at these times but don’t want the added weight of a jacket or long trousers you can buy a reflective vest that you can slip over your clothes like a bib. A reflective vest is often a luminous colour such as yellow for men and pink for ladies with added Scotchlite on the front and back! As an alternative you could also buy one of the many hi viz accessories around such as a luminous flashing wristband or headband. Usually in the depths of winter runners can be seen using a variety of different methods to be seen. This is the time when runners come off the tracks and onto the paths to run and must be seen by other road users and pedestrians to keep from near misses and accidents.

Running leggings are usually worn in the winter and will keep you really warm and also dry. Many of them have hi viz Scotchlite strips running down their length. I would not recommend these as your only method of reflective running gear clothing though as the Scotchlite is usually down the sides of the leggings and would not be seen from the front or back. However, running leggings are extremely comfortable and many are shower proof as well.

Reflective clothing can be utilized on bicycles and while out walking too. If you bike as well as run don’t forget to use your vest, jackets, trousers and flashing accessories on the road too. I would recommend using some form of high visibility clothing whilst on your bike at all times on today’s busy roads even when it is not dark. Cyclists who wear highly reflective garments are much more visible than others and it could end up saving your life.