See and Be Seen

• Keep an eye on traffic and make yourself more visible to drivers by running in the opposite direction of traffic. Wear a head lamp or bring a light flashlight with you. Not only will the light help drivers, bicyclists or other joggers be able to see you, it will help illuminate hazards along your path.
  
  Before venturing out on a late night or early morning run, dress in light colors that drivers will be able to see. Feelingwow.com suggests wearing white, yellow or orange articles of clothing. Applying reflective strips to hats, clothing and other accessories is another good idea.
  
  

Plan Your Path

• Before your first run in the dark, map out a loop in your neighborhood or a route with which you are familiar. Run the planned path during the day to get acquainted with the sidewalks, bumps in the pavement, intersections, potholes or other potential dangers you might not see in the dark. Try to choose areas that have more pedestrian than automobile traffic.
  
  

Don't Be a Victim of Crime

• The best way to prevent being a victim of crime while running at night is to run with a friend or a group of people. While music can be very motivational during a run, blocking out surrounding noises can make you less aware of traffic, muggers, animals or other potential hazards. Bring a cell phone in case you have an emergency and consider downloading an application that allows friends and loved ones to track your run. Though effective exercise requires a routine, mix up your route and the times you run to throw off criminals who might be tracking your runs so as to sneak up on you.
  
  

Carry Identification

• Do not leave for a run without your driver's license or another form of identification. Many athletic-wear companies have designed their apparel to have hidden pockets for identification, money or other objects. If running with such items distracts you, consider purchasing a show tag that will provide important information should you be in an emergency situation.