That comparison indicated that, during October 1 to 20, the number of reportable nighttime accidents increased 129 percent, interchange ramp accidents rose 89 percent, the number of accidents with injuries increased 230 percent, and the number of persons injured increased 173 percent. From a lighting researcher's point of view, it would have been worthwhile to know not just the societal cost imposed as a result of accidents, but also the direct cost to the city, for emergency response, accident clean-up, and repair of guardrails, roads, light poles, etc. A police official noted that the absence of lighting reduced security patrol productivity significantly, because police officers took longer to patrol due to the loss of visibility. They had to rely far more on vehicle-mounted spotlights. It was noted, too, that far more time had to be spent on sanding, salting, and plowing operations, because it was simply more difficult to see.
Studies conducted in the United Kingdom also point out lighting's impact on the bottom line.
During the winter of 1973-74, a number of local authorities complied with a national request to cut lighting levels by 50 percent, due to an energy shortage. A case history that took place much closer to home is also instructive, and encouraging. But that is not all. The town is so small it does not have its own police force. Instead, it obtains police services from the county and pays on a per-call basis.