EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGHWAY ARTERIAL LIGHTING FINAL REPORT

This research was undertaken to evaluate the cost-benefits of arterial highway lighting treatments in terms of traffic safety and energy usage. The results have shown that total nighttime dry weather accidents are inversely related to visiblity, higher visibility resulting in fewer accidents. Areas with high population densities have a much higher rate than low density areas and CBD areas have a much higher rate than other area types. Regression equations have been developed which predict dry nighttime accident history based on population density, area type and visibility. The results have also shown that more cost-beneficial lighting systems cna be designed using HPS rather than Mercury luminaires although it is normally possible to use either source to obtain systems with benefit-cost ratio greater than 1. When visibility and accident reduction potential are the main constraints, optimum designs tend to use 400 HPS luminires; when cost and energy use are the main constraints, 150 HPS luminaires tend to be optimum. In addition to this Final Report, a Design Guide (FHWA-RD-77-38( has been prepared to assist potential users in conducting cost-benefit analyses of lighting changes at specific locations. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Cosponsored by the Federal Energy Administration, Office of Energy Conservation and Environment.
• Corporate Authors:

  Franklin Institute

  20th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  Philadelphia, PA  United States  19103
• Authors:
  • Janoff, M S
  • Kroth, B
  • McCunney, W
  • Freedman, M
  • Duerk, C
  • Berkovitz, M
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 218 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Central business districts; Crash rates; Energy; Luminaires; Night; Night visibility; Prevention; Regression analysis; Residential areas; Safety; Street lighting; Traffic safety
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Energy; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172037
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Crane Hoist Engineering Corporation
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 37 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH 11-8825
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 29 1978 12:00AM