Top Safety Gadgets and Strategies for Runners and Joggers

Most of us would run only if something chases us, but some people actually enjoy running. Jokes aside, running is great for your heart and your stamina, but you should take some safety precautions when practicing it. 

There are certain dangers that runners and joggers might face. That’s why we came up with a list of safety gadgets for runners that can reduce these dangers to a minimum. We also shared some safety tips and strategies to make your running/jogging sessions safe. Stay tuned to learn all about them!

Understanding Potential Risks

One of the biggest risks involved with running comes from road traffic and reduced visibility. Additionally, runners can suffer from dehydration or exhaustion, leading to injuries or other health complications. 

Finally, there is always a danger of someone attacking a runner. That scenario is not pleasant to think about, but there are ways to prevent it. You can protect yourself from these dangers with certain safety gadgets and tips and enjoy your running session!

Essential Safety Gadgets for Runners and Joggers

There are many safety gadgets for joggers and runners you can choose from, depending on your individual needs. Let’s take a look at them:

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms are small portable devices that emit a loud noise when pressed. They are great for deterring dangerous people and attracting the attention of people who might help you in case of a threat.

There are several different types of personal alarms. Some can be worn attached to your keys as a keychain, while others can be attached to your shoe. Wristband personal alarms are also popular, as well as clip-on personal alarms. 

All these types are easy to carry with you, and you will be able to reach them easily in case of need. 

Reflective Gear 

Many times when you go out for a jog, you will be running along a busy road. This whole situation can become even more dangerous if you decide to jog at night or before dawn. This is when visibility is extremely low, increasing the risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

To prevent this from happening to you, wear reflective gear that will make you more visible to drivers on the road. For best results, wear a reflective vest or jacket. You can also wear a backpack with reflective bands. Alternatively, you can wear a reflective wristband or shoe clips. 

LED Lights

To further boost your visibility, you can use LED lights worn as headbands or wristbands. Not only will they make you more visible, but they will also light the road ahead of you. As such, they are another safety gadget necessary for your next running session. 

GPS Trackers

Never get lost again with GPS trackers! You can use a GPS tracker app from your phone or choose a specially designated device for GPS tracking. In both cases, you will always know where you are, even if you travel to unknown territory. 

This type of safety device serves one additional purpose: if somehow you still get lost or injured during your run, the rescue team will be able to locate you quickly, thanks to your GPS tracker device!

Heart Rate Monitors

Running and jogging are among the most popular types of cardio exercises. They train your heart muscle and make it stronger. However, sometimes runners take it too far, putting too much strain on their hearts.

By monitoring your heart rate, you ensure that it stays within healthy and safe limits. The maximum heart rate depends on various factors, including your gender and age. By wearing gadgets called heart rate monitors, you can track your heart rate and take a rest when it approaches its recommended maximum.

Heart rate monitors are small devices usually worn on your chest as straps or on your wrists as wristbands/smartwatches. There are even heart rate monitoring headphones and smart heart rate monitoring hats. Which one you should choose depends on your personal preferences and needs. 

Mobile apps for safety

Safety mobile apps are no longer a novelty. There are countless safety mobile apps out there, and many of them are specifically made for runners. Some of them offer real-time location tracking, while others can be used to send distress signals. 

There are also apps that help you plan your route and share it with others. You can even use these apps to connect with runners from all over the world, run at the same time, and share some safety and running tips with one another. 

Portable Hydration Devices

Staying hydrated is essential for your body to function properly, and that is especially true in physically demanding situations, such as running or jogging. If you lose too much fluids from your body while running, you can collapse and injure yourself. 

This is why you should always carry water with you when running. There are many different types of portable water bottles and hydration packs out there. Additionally, runners can use mobile apps that will remind them to hydrate frequently. 

Road ID or Identification Bands

Wearing your ID and other important documents while running might be too much. However, you should find a way to carry some form of identification along with your medical information. You never know what kind of emergency can happen and when you may need this info.

There are bracelets or bands that contain essential identification and medical information. They are lightweight and comfortable, which makes them perfect for wearing while running. 

Weather-Appropriate Gear

Running is a great opportunity to spend some time outside and enjoy the fresh air, but it also exposes you to the elements. For example, during summer, you are exposed to harsh UV rays. 

That’s why you need to wear sun-protective clothing that will shield your skin from harmful UV rays while still allowing it to breathe. Choose bright clothes made of natural fabrics that will soak in your sweat.

If, on the other hand, you live in cold or wet climates, you need to wear clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Choose warm clothes that won’t make you overheat while running. Invest in good water-resistant running shoes and jackets.  

Don’t forget about the head covers. Wear baseball hats or bandanas in summer and winter hats during cold months. 

Hands-Free Phone Carriers

In the age when people take their phones even to the toilet, it is easy to predict that they will also want to bring them along when running and exercising. But having a phone by your side while jogging can be a good idea, especially for your safety. 

Mobile phones are extremely useful in case of emergencies. They allow you to call for help before the situation further escalates. Additionally, you can install various safety and GPS-tracking apps on your phone, which further increases your safety. 

Carrying a phone in your hands while running might be annoying and uncomfortable. That’s why you should carry it attached to specialized arm bands or waist packs. These options are highly practical, allowing you to take your phone with you with your hands staying free.  

Emergency Whistles – A More Traditional Version of Safety Gadgets for Runners

Personal alarms have a more traditional and cheaper alternative – an emergency whistle. They can serve the exact same purpose of attracting attention when needed, and they might prove useful in remote areas where technology fails. 

Personal Safety Wearables

Probably the most practical form of safety devices are wearables, such as watches, pendants, or rings. These wearables can serve different purposes, such as sending your location to chosen contacts or distress signals to emergency services. 

Safety Tips for Runners and Joggers 

Apart from safety devices, every runner should bring one more thing to their jogging session: caution. By following certain safety tips for runners, you can further increase your safety while running:

• Choose safe routes and times for running
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• Run with a buddy
• Keep your emergency contact information handy
• Share running routes and estimated return times with someone
  

We will elaborate more on these tips in another article, so make sure to read more about them. 

Maintaining Safety Gadgets

Since you will heavily rely on your safety gadgets when out and running, you need to ensure they are working properly. Perform regular checks of your safety gadgets and maintain them properly. 

The last thing you want to happen is for your safety device to fail when you need it the most. Keep all your gadgets updated and in top condition so that you can rely on them. 

Safety Gadgets for Runners – Your Allies

Running is a fun activity that can also be fun. However, before you start your running/jogging session, you need to address possible dangers and figure out how to minimize them. That’s why you should check out this list of the best safety gadgets for runners. 

These gadgets will ensure your visibility to nearby vehicles, as well as that you don’t get lost, injured, or sick while running. There are many different types of these gadgets, each one serving a different purpose.

Finally, don’t forget to use your common sense while running. No safety device offers 100% protection, so use your intuition, always. Stay vigilant and cautious, and you will also stay safe!