Street lighting is an essential part of urban infrastructure, as it provides illumination for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at night. However, not all street lights are created equal. Some types of street lighting may have adverse effects on road safety, such as glare, light pollution, and reduced visibility of traffic signals and signs. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right street lighting for road safety, based on the latest research and best practices. The Benefits of Street Lighting for Road Safety
According to a systematic review by Cochrane, street lighting can prevent road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities, especially in rural and suburban areas. The review found that street lighting reduced night-time crashes by 32%, night-time injuries by 36%, and night-time fatalities by 68%. The authors suggested that street lighting may improve a driver`s visual capabilities and ability to detect roadway hazards, as well as reduce contrast between headlight glare and the surrounding environment. Another study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that proper street lighting led to a 29% decrease in pedestrian crashes, as it improved the visibility of pedestrians and their movements. The study also found that street lighting reduced the severity of crashes, as drivers had more time to react and avoid collisions. The Challenges of Street Lighting for Road Safety
However, street lighting is not a panacea for road safety. Some types of street lighting may have negative impacts on road safety, such as: Glare: Glare is the discomfort or impairment of vision caused by excessive brightness or contrast. Glare can reduce a driver`s ability to see the road, traffic signals, signs, and other road users, as well as increase eye fatigue and stress. Glare can be caused by poorly designed, installed, or maintained street lights, as well as by the reflection of light from wet or shiny surfaces. Light pollution: Light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light that alters the natural conditions of the night sky. Light pollution can affect the circadian rhythms of humans and wildlife, as well as the visibility of stars and celestial objects. Light pollution can also create a phenomenon called [skyglow", which is the brightening of the night sky over urban areas. Skyglow can reduce the contrast between street lights and the background, making it harder to see the road and other road users. Reduced visibility of traffic signals and signs: Traffic signals and signs are designed to provide information and guidance to road users, such as speed limits, directions, and warnings. However, if the street lighting is too bright or too dim, it can interfere with the visibility and recognition of traffic signals and signs, leading to confusion and errors. For example, a study by the University of Michiganfound that drivers were more likely to run red lights at night when the street lighting was brighter than the traffic signals.
The Best Practices for Street Lighting for Road Safety
To overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of street lighting for road safety, it is important to follow some best practices, such as: - Choose the right type of street light: There are different types of street lights available, such as incandescent, fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, metal halide, and LED. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as energy efficiency, color rendering, lifespan, and maintenance. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), LED street lights are the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly option, as they consume less electricity, emit less carbon dioxide, and last longer than other types. LED street lights also have better color rendering, which means they can produce more natural and accurate colors, improving the visibility and recognition of road features and hazards. However, LED street lights can also cause more glare and light pollution if they are not properly designed, installed, or controlled. Therefore, it is essential to choose LED street lights that have a low color temperature (below 3000K), a high color rendering index (above 80), and a low glare rating (below 15).
- Choose the right location and height of street lights: The location and height of street lights can affect the distribution and uniformity of light on the road, as well as the potential for glare and light pollution. Generally, street lights should be located on both sides of the road, at regular intervals, and at a height that minimizes the angle of light reaching the driver`s eyes. The optimal location and height of street lights may vary depending on the type of road, the speed of traffic, the width of the road, and the presence of trees, buildings, and other obstacles. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a professional lighting engineer or use a lighting design software to determine the best location and height of street lights for each road segment.
- Choose the right level and control of street lighting: The level and control of street lighting can affect the amount and quality of light on the road, as well as the energy consumption and cost of street lighting. Generally, street lighting should provide enough light to ensure adequate visibility and safety, but not too much light to cause glare, light pollution, or waste of energy. The optimal level of street lighting may vary depending on the type of road, the volume and speed of traffic, the weather and environmental conditions, and the time of day and night. Therefore, it is advisable to use a lighting standard or guideline, such as the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) or the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), to determine the appropriate level of street lighting for each road segment. Additionally, it is advisable to use a lighting control system, such as a dimmer, a timer, a sensor, or a smart device, to adjust the level of street lighting according to the changing needs and conditions of the road.
Conclusion
Street lighting is a vital component of road safety, as it can improve the visibility and recognition of road features and hazards, reduce the risk and severity of crashes, and enhance the comfort and confidence of road users. However, street lighting can also have negative impacts on road safety, such as glare, light pollution, and reduced visibility of traffic signals and signs, if it is not properly designed, installed, or maintained. Therefore, it is important to follow some best practices, such as choosing the right type of street light, the right location and height of street lights, and the right level and control of street lighting, to ensure the optimal balance between safety and efficiency. By doing so, we can create a safer and smarter road environment for everyone. If you need to purchase lamps in bulk, please contact us.WOSEN is a professional manufacturer and supplier of Led Flood Light, Led Street Light, Led Solar Light, etc. For more information, please visit https://www.wosenled.com/ or contact admin@wosenled.com or WhatsApp +86-13425434349
