PURPOSES : This study aimed to examine the relationship between discomfort glare and different types of lighting, including low-mounted lighting and conventional pole lighting. Although roadway lighting has been widely acknowledged as a countermeasure for nighttime traffic safety, discomfort glare, which is incidentally derived from lighting, is one of the key elements to overcome. METHODS : We selected the Unified Glare Rating (UGR), defined as a globally accepted lighting standard, as a measure of the effect of discomfort glare. Artificial rain and fog conditions were reproduced at the Center of Road Weather Proving Ground (CRPG). RESULTS : As a result, we found that the UGR of low-mounted lighting is reduced by 57.96% compared to pole lighting under rainy conditions, and by 39.12% in the case of fog conditions. CONCLUSIONS : It is proposed that discomfort glare was significantly reduced in the case of low-mounted lighting compared to pole lighting under both rain and fog conditions. Discomfort glare hinders the visual performance of drivers, so it may be related to delayed reaction time and inappropriate driving behavior. Therefore, low-mounted lighting is strongly recommended on road sections that have a high frequency of traffic accidents and adverse weather patterns.

PURPOSES : Road lighting facilities increase the visibility of road at night in order to improve traffic driver safety and comfort. Generally speaking, current pole lighting has a tendency to create problems of glare and flicker. The phenomenon of glare gives discomfort due to increase of scattered light, when high luminance is in driver's field of view. The phenomenon of flicker occurs due to the driver passing through discontinuous pockets of pole lighting areas. These phenomenon increase eye strain and decrease driver safety. METHODS : Low height line lighting that distributes light lower than driver's eye level has been developed and evaluated to reduce the problems linked to current pole lighting. A test was undertaken with 4 conditions(turn on the general pole lighting, turn off alternate pole lighting, turn on the line lighting and line lighting with 50% dimming). A driver written survey was conducted in order to gain driver feedback. RESULTS : Pupil size and brow frequency compared with degree in pole lighting are reduced. CONCLUSIONS : Low height line lighting environment makes drivers more comfortable than pole lighting environment and is positive lighting method in the energy saving and landscape aspect.

This study proposes lighting simulation approach to assess lighting quality on motor ways and walk ways considering each type of form and growth of roadside trees. Simulation approach to assess quality of lighting is frequently used for lighting design which guarantees secure of drivers and pedestrians during the night time. But, road side trees which have diverse benefits for citizens acts on obstacles during night time needs lighting. The results of this study shows a possible way for tuning the aims of both lighting and road side tree. It will be possible to develop harmonic design standards for road way lighting if further study achieved based on the result of this study.