Save the Night | Be the Solution, Stop Light Pollution
What about safety?
There is no clear scientific evidence showing that increased outdoor lighting deters crime.
While brighter lighting may make us feel safer, poor outdoor lighting can actually reduce our personal safety.
A study conducted by the city of Chicago found a correlation between increased crime and brightly lit alleyways.
A study prepared by the U.S. National Institute of Justice concluded: “We can have very little confidence that i
While brighter lighting may make us feel safer, poor outdoor lighting can actually reduce our personal safety.
A study conducted by the city of Chicago found a correlation between increased crime and brightly lit alleyways.
A study prepared by the U.S. National Institute of Justice concluded: “We can have very little confidence that improved lighting prevents crime.”
In fact, glare from bright lights creates shadows where criminals can hide. Some crimes like vandalism and graffiti thrive on lighting.
Glare can also be dangerous to pedestrians and drivers. It shines into our eyes, constricting our pupils, which diminishes our ability to adapt to low-light conditions.
Light Pollution Can Endanger Our Security and Our Safety
Read collection of articles here:
https://cescos.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-security.html
Photo credit: Greg Feeney
Street Lighting: The Security Myth
Street Lighting: The Security Myth
"Street lighting's purpose is to enhance travel safety. However, much of the public assumes that street lighting can deter crime. As we will see, there is no clear evidence supporting that conclusion. Where crime is a serious consideration, we should employ effective countermeasures, and avoid unnecessary street lighting that is more li
"Street lighting's purpose is to enhance travel safety. However, much of the public assumes that street lighting can deter crime. As we will see, there is no clear evidence supporting that conclusion. Where crime is a serious consideration, we should employ effective countermeasures, and avoid unnecessary street lighting that is more likely to attract and/or facilitate crime than prevent it. Responsible lighting practices, as defined by the Illumination Engineering Society, will make our cities and towns safer, healthier, more efficient, ecologically sound, and esthetically pleasing."
Read full article here:
https://darkskyarkansas.org/security-and-street-lighting-2/
See also:
https://darkskymissouri.org/learn/street-lighting-the-security-myth
"Lighting for Safety" Public Forum
A discussion of the principles for responsible outdoor lighting, why following them won't compromise safety, and why not following them can create glare which, in turn, can reduce visibility and safety (Nantucket Lights Online Public Forum, April 19, 2022)
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