All About Pedestrian Lighting Safety

Have you ever thought about how streetlights can make a big difference in our daily lives? Pedestrian lighting safety isn’t just some boring technical term; it’s a game-changer for keeping our streets safe and our communities thriving. This blog will cover why lighting is crucial for pedestrian safety, different lighting solutions, the benefits of proper road lighting, key considerations for implementing safe lighting solutions, and some real-life success stories.

Let’s get into it!

The Role of Street Lighting in Pedestrian Safety

Did you know that a significant number of pedestrian accidents occur in poorly lit areas? According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 76% of all pedestrian related fatalities occurred during periods of darkness.  With improved lighting, pedestrian injuries can be cut in half, nighttime crash rates drop significantly, and crime rates go down. Enhanced illuminations not only improves pedestrian safety but also makes everyone feel safer on the road.

modern university campus with modern illumination at night for Pedestrian lighting safety

 

Types of Pedestrian Lighting Solutions

Now, let’s talk about the different types of pedestrian lighting solutions out there:

  1. Street Lighting: This is your basic overhead lighting that illuminates roadways and sidewalks, ensuring visibility for drivers and pedestrians. They are normally installed along the sides of streets, highways, and public places.
  2. Crosswalk Overhead Lighting: These are specifically designed to light up crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections and crossings. They are positioned directly above crosswalks or at a critical point where pedestrians are likely to cross streets. Crosswalk lighting utilizes focused lighting, sometimes with additional features like flashing lights to alert drivers of a pedestrian crossing.
  3. Smart Lighting Solutions: These are the future! Smart lighting can adjust its brightness based on real-time data, ensuring optimal visibility and energy. They can be used for both crosswalk lighting and street lighting, as well as in other public or private areas.

Each type of lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety and making our streets safer for everyone.

Safety led lighting system on pedestrian crossing, improving visibility of pedestrians for car drivers and reducing fatal accident risk

 

Benefits of Proper Road Lighting

I’m sure you already knew this, but proper road lighting is a real lifesaver.

Having good lighting reduces pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries, improves safety for pedestrians and drivers, and also enhances public security for pedestrians and drivers. When everyone can see clearly, the chances of accidents decrease significantly.

Whether it’s a busy crosswalk or a quiet residential street, the right lighting can make all the difference in transportation safety. It’s a win-win for public safety and community well-being.

Key Considerations for Implementing Safe Lighting Solutions

When it comes to enhancing safety through lighting, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

  • Proper Placement and Intensity of Lights: It’s not just about having lights; it’s about having them in the correct place. You want to ensure street lights and crosswalks are strategically placed and provide just the right amount of lighting. This minimizes dark spots and glare, keeping roads safe and visible.
  • Use of Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Lighting Solutions: WIth the environment in mind, using energy-efficient lamps like LEDs is a smart choice. They reduce energy consumption and cut costs while providing efficient lighting.
  • Maintenance and Regular Inspection of Lighting Systems: Regular check-ups ensure that the lights are always working correctly and efficiently. This also helps prevent potential safety hazards.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll create a safer, more sustainable roadside environment.

Street Lighting

Case Studies and Success Stories

Let’s take a look at a real-life example of a city that has successfully improved pedestrian safety through better lighting.

Portland, Organ:

In 2018, a southwestern suburb in Portland, Organ got approved a $20 million G.O Bond Measure to support high-priority transportation projects. With this money, Western Systems worked closely with the City to provide a unique solution. That solution was to install rapid flash beacons at two of the crosswalks and overhead lighting systems to improve night time visibility.

The Principal Transportation Engineer, Mike McCarthy, said that with the new lights, the crosswalk is now highly visible and provides a safer way for the community to cross the street.

street lighting improvement before and after

Innovative Technologies in Smart Technology for Pedestrian Lighting Safety

Smart lighting technologies are revolutionizing the way we think about pedestrian safety. They allow users to control and customize their lighting remotely. They can also sense and interact with their surroundings, like adjusting brightness based on pedestrian and vehicle presence.

Outdoorlinks Smart Controller (formerly known as SmartLink) helps illuminate parking lots and pedestrian walkways at universities, parks and recreation spaces, commercial properties, etc. Using this technology on overhead lighting ensures safety for those in high traffic areas.

As we look into the future, these promise to make streets even safer. Picture lights that can talk to each other, adjusting to traffic, weather, and pedestrian numbers in real-time. Future systems will also use renewable energy like solar power, making our streets safer and more sustainable.

To sum it up, pedestrian lighting safety is essential for creating a safe and welcoming environment. Investing in proper lighting solutions reduces accidents and improves public safety. Local governments and communities need these innovations to prioritize keeping our streets safe for everyone.

For more information on how to improve pedestrian safety through innovative lighting, contact Outdoorlink today!

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