EFFECT OF LIGHTING REDUCTION ON AN URBAN MAJOR ROUTE

In order to save energy, a reduction in highway lighting was effected along a major route in Clearwater, Florida. Before and after studies were made along a 2-1/2 mile section of the route on the accident rates in two years. The illumination level after the lights were turned off was only 0.9 HFC, instead of the recommended 1.4 HFC. Accident data indicate that day accidents increased by 4 percent, and night accidents by 10 percent. Accident severity rates for both property damage and injury did not change appreciably. In comparing only night travel, a 36 percent increase is found in the night accident rate. The average cost of each night accident is calculated to be between $1,000 to $2,800, which more than offsets the $9,300 estimated energy savings. More studies of this type need to be undertaken in assessing the impact of energy-conservation measure on accidents.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Traffic Engineers

  2029 K Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20006
• Authors:
  • Box, P C
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 26-27
• Serial:
  • Traffic Engineering
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: Institute of Traffic Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Costs; Crash rates; Crash severity; Crashes; Energy; Reduction (Chemistry); Street lighting
• Uncontrolled Terms: Accident costs
• Old TRIS Terms: Reduction
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00144221
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 15 1977 12:00AM