Public lighting goes far beyond simply “lighting up” streets. In large cities, it organizes flows, improves the readability of urban space, and helps reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers.
When well planned, proper lighting helps with the perception of obstacles, the identification of movements, and traffic predictability — central elements of road safety, especially at night and in adverse weather conditions.
Why public lighting is road safety infrastructure
A properly lit roadway supports faster and safer decision-making. Drivers see signage, crossings, and other users sooner, while pedestrians feel more confident crossing and moving around.
From an infrastructure perspective, lighting: - Complements vertical and horizontal signage; - Reduces shadowed areas that hide obstacles; - Supports traffic enforcement and operations; - Contributes to the legibility of roadway design.
Critical points that require special attention
Not every street requires the same level or type of lighting. In dense cities, certain segments are more sensitive from a road safety standpoint.
Areas that deserve priority: - Complex intersections and junctions; - Pedestrian crosswalks and raised crossings; - Bus corridors and stops; - Bike lanes and cycle tracks alongside traffic lanes; - Arterial roads with high volume and speed.
Light quality matters more than quantity
Lighting more does not mean lighting better. Excessive brightness, glare, or inadequate contrast can impair vision and increase the risk of accidents.
Relevant technical aspects include: - Uniformity of lighting along the roadway; - Color temperature appropriate to the urban environment; - Glare control for drivers and pedestrians; - Regular maintenance to avoid dark spots.
Lighting and reading the urban space
Good lighting helps “tell the story” of the street. Users understand where the roadway is, where the sidewalk is, where they can cross, and what the limits of each space are. This reduces unexpected behaviors and conflicts between modes.
Integration with signage and roadway design
Lighting does not work in isolation. It should reinforce street design and existing signage, never compete with them.
Good practices include: - Highlighting crossings without creating reflections on signage; - Lighting refuge islands and medians; - Avoiding poorly positioned poles that obstruct circulation; - Aligning lighting projects with roadway interventions.
Lighting in areas with high nighttime activity
Areas with bars, hospitals, transport terminals, and nighttime employment hubs require specific solutions. Heavy traffic outside business hours increases exposure to road risks.
In these locations, lighting contributes to: - Better visibility of pedestrians during nighttime peak hours; - Safer operation of public transport; - Reduction of abrupt maneuvers and unexpected braking.
The role of planning and continuous maintenance
Even a good project loses effectiveness without maintenance. Burned-out luminaires, damaged poles, or unpruned vegetation compromise safety over time.
In large cities, public lighting management must be integrated with roadway planning, with constant monitoring and adjustments as street use changes. In this way, light ceases to be merely an urban service and becomes an active element of road safety.
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