I am a big fan of the programs Backtracks and Blue Avenue on Iowa Public Radio, hosted by Bob Dorr. Mr. Dorr always signs off from a show by telling people to “wear white at night, unless you’re traveling icognito” which is always a good reminder.

A concerned citizen contacted The News to say they’ve seen many, many walkers out in the early morning or at night, walking in the road, wearing all dark colors with no reflective patches. She had almost hit a walker and was extremely shaken up about it when she called us.

Walking in the dark in all black is a good way to cause a horrible accident. If you must walk in the road, be sure to wear something that will help you be seen by drivers. It’s for your own safety, and the safety of everyone on the road.

While wearing something light-colored is better than wearing all black, it’s even better to wear something that lights up or is reflective. You can buy a reflective safety vest, similar to those worn by construction workers, for less than $10, which is easy to put on over your coat as you go outside for a walk.

So, in the spirit of Bob Dorr, I’ll remind you: Wear white at night, unless of course, you’re traveling incognito!