Are your neighborhood street lights out?

I felt that with all of the recent accidents involving pedestrians lately it would be a good time to bring this up.  The streetlights that you see in your neighborhoods and surrounding areas are there for 2 very important reasons to provide safety of pedestrians and act as a deterrence of crime.

The first reason, providing safety, is very important to walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and others of all ages, from kids walking to school all the way to neighbors getting to and from the local businesses.  These streetlights allow motorists a better chance at seeing pedestrians and also allow the pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings.

The other reason, deterrence of crime, is very important for all of the property owners in the area.  One of the first things they talk about in crime prevention classes and neighborhood watch classes is that areas have adequate lighting.  If you think about this for a minute from a criminals stand point what looks more inviting, an area that is dark and easy to move around in or an area that is very well lit up and you are more likely to be seen moving around?  If the area is lit up you have a better chance of not having your house or business and vehicles broken into.

I have a few suggestions that you can do to help you, your neighbors, and others that depend on the safety and security provided by area streetlights.  If you see street lights out in your neighborhood and you live in an area with electricity provided by DTE Energy you can simply go to the Street Light Trouble Reporting page and report it there in 5 easy steps.  If you live in an area that does not have electricity provided by DTE Energy or would rather pass it on to someone else, I urge you to call you local Village, City, or Twp offices and give them as much info as you can, so they can report it.

Remember the streetlights in your neighborhood are their not only for your safety and security, but everyone in that area.  I ask you please take a few minutes and follow the steps and report lights out in your area.