Public Safety & Artificial Light

Monsters in the closet. The bogeyman under the bed. Criminals sneaking around in the dark. Our eyes need time to adjust to the darkness, until that happens, we can’t see into these dark corners or unlit alleyways. Nighttime for many people, especially children, bring feelings of anxiety and make imaginations run wild with scary scenarios. This fear of hidden dangers and the unknown, has led people to brighten the darkness to help ease fears and make the night feel safer. By adding night lights around the house, installing bright security lights on homes and buildings, or adding more light poles to streets and walkways, people experience less darkness and unknowns. But, does extra lighting actually make us safer or is it just to help ease our fears?