Pedestrian safety is a particular concern at night, when reduced visibility can make it more difficult for drivers to see people walking and for pedestrians to navigate crossings safely. Improving nighttime pedestrian safety through a Safe System approach involves multiple strategies, including speed management, visibility, and effective lighting design. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that explored strategies for improving pedestrian safety at night, with a focus on lighting design and implementation. Presenters discussed approaches for increasing visibility at pedestrian crossings and shared practical considerations for assessing, designing, and implementing lighting improvements.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Pedestrians.
The slides are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

• Pedestrian lighting in practice – Natasha Fatu, Connecticut Department of Transportation
• Strategies to improve pedestrian safety at night – Rebecca Sanders, Fehr & Peers
• Examination of lighting practices at crosswalk corridors – Ron Van Houten, Western Michigan University
• Question and answer session moderated by Lauren Blackburn, VHB

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Identify roadway conditions under which pedestrians are most likely to be killed at night
• Describe strategies, following the Safe System approach, for improving visibility of pedestrians in dark conditions
• Assess design practices for improving lighting at crossings and along corridors

Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.