How does natural surveillance enhance road safety?

Natural surveillance enhances road safety primarily through encouraging designs for better visibility. This concept is rooted in the idea that an environment where individuals can easily see and be seen by others tends to deter criminal activities and promote safer behavior. By designing roadways, intersections, and public spaces to maximize visibility, such as optimizing lighting, removing obstructions, and creating open sight lines, pedestrians and drivers become more aware of their surroundings.

Increased visibility allows for better monitoring of behaviors, which can help prevent accidents and promote caution among road users. When people feel that they are visible and can observe others around them, they are more likely to act responsibly, whether by driving more carefully or watching for pedestrians. This proactive approach woven into infrastructure design forms the foundational principle behind the concept of natural surveillance in improving road safety.