SAFETY IMPACTS OF STREET LIGHTING AT ISOLATED RURAL INTERSECTIONS

Abstract

This report details the results of a study that examined the effectiveness of installing streetlights at rural intersections. The report concluded that the installation of streetlights at rural intersections offers a low-cost and very effective strategy for mitigating night-time crashes. Previously published reports found that the installation of intersection lighting resulted in a 25 to 50% reduction in the night-time crash/total crash ratio. A survey of Minnesota cities and counties indicated that most agencies do not operate or maintain streetlights at rural intersections and most have no warrants or guidelines for installation of streetlights. The results of both a comparative analysis of more than 3,400 rural intersections along the state's trunk highway system and a before-and-after analysis of a sample of 12 intersections found that the installation of streetlights reduced night-time crashes at rural intersections and would likely be far more effective than either rumble strips or overhead flashing beacons. A benefit-cost analysis indicated that the benefits associated with the installation of street lighting at rural intersections outweigh the costs by a margin of 15 to one.