Work schedules prevent most people from walking, running, or bicycling in the middle of the day. They must exercise early in the morning before work or in the evening after work. During the summer these hours are still light. However as the days get shorter in the winter, these people must walk, run, or ride in the dark.
Just after the switch from daylight savings time, the hour around 6PM is especially dangerous for pedestrians. Paul Fishbeck and David Gerard of Carnegie Mellon University have studied data on traffic fatalities. They find a 186% jump in the risk of vehicle-pedestrian accidents for the month of November after the switch to standard time. They suggest the higher risk is caused by the fact that drivers need time to adjust to the earlier darkness.
The problem for walkers, runners, and bicyclists is to both see and be seen in the dark. If you can see clearly, you can avoid potholes and similar hazards hidden in the dark roads. If drivers can see you, they are less likely to hit you.
To see simply carry a flashlight. Particularly when running, most people don't want to carry the extra weight. Modern LED flashlights or small mag light flashlights are more compact for the amount of light they provide. Those who do not want to carry anything in their hands can strap a headlamp flashlight onto their foreheads.
To be seen, wear reflective clothing. First avoid dark colored clothing. Light colors reflect more light. Light colored clothing is a good start, but modern highly reflective clothing that is designed for maximum nighttime visibility is much better.
There are several high tech reflectivity options:
If you are worried about the crime possibility, take a self defense class. It is also good exercise. Also remember that if you walk or run regularly, you are probably in good enough shape to outrun most potential bad guys.
Don't let winter's early darkness disrupt your walking, running, or bicycling. But do take the proper precautions.