Enhancing Nighttime Safety for National Park Visitors

Posted in

September 18, 2024

Enhancing Nighttime Safety for National Park Visitors

A recent study from Penn State’s Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management highlights the tension between wildlife protection and human safety in national parks regarding nighttime lighting. Led by Associate Professor Derrick Taff, the research found that participants felt significantly safer under brighter and whiter lights, with a 31.6% increase in safety perceptions in white light compared to amber, and an 81.7% increase at 5.0 lux compared to 0.5 lux. While visitors prefer brighter environments, the study suggests that levels of illumination can be adjusted to protect natural ecosystems without compromising human comfort. The findings, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, emphasize the need for a balance between adequate lighting for safety and preserving dark skies for wildlife.

Original source:

https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/shedding-light-how-make-national-park-visitors-feel-safe-night

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