In WA state we do have parts of the freeway that are not illuminated.
It’s obviously up to code but whenever I drive at night it feels super dangerous especially on a rainy day where visibility is low. This is unlike expressways in Chicago that are super well lit.
Light pollution is a thing, but when it comes to high velocity moving objects like cars more lighting contributes not only to safety but perception of safety.
It's much more efficient to have brighter vehicle headlamps and reflective signage and road surfacing. You drive as fast as your visibility allows for stopping distance. When the visibility is poor, the instinct is to travel slower and pay more attention, which contributes to safety. Perception of safety is often not correlated to safety at all. Roundabouts are much safer and often more efficient than traffic lights, but drivers tend to feel scared using them, resulting in reduced speeds and much less injuries.
> You drive as fast as your visibility allows for stopping distance.
This assumption does not hold true in many places, especially in the Seattle area. Highways here seem to be engineered for a presumption of competency that does not hold true (including the lack of sufficient lighting), especially when it rains. The crash rate reflects this.
Perception of safety is sometimes negatively correlated with safety, though. There's a level of highway engineering where you can make a road look like it needs more driver attention (curves, chicanes, worse lighting) while actually keeping fewer crashes and a comparable level of throughput.
Correct. Once outside of the metro areas the highways are often unlit. It’s actually surprising to find parts that are (often interchanges, exits, near prisons, etc).
The US has a LOT of highway miles out in the middle on nowhere.
It’s obviously up to code but whenever I drive at night it feels super dangerous especially on a rainy day where visibility is low. This is unlike expressways in Chicago that are super well lit.
Light pollution is a thing, but when it comes to high velocity moving objects like cars more lighting contributes not only to safety but perception of safety.