You might have a different opinion of street lights if you've ever had to walk alone in the dark.

Given that I live in an area that's dark, I walk alone in the dark all the time. I'm just one of the lucky minority of people that manages to escape being ruled by unsubstantiated or irrational fear.

Cool. I used to walk in the dark all the time. Then I got held up at gunpoint. It was not at that point practical for me to avoid walking in the dark, so I continued, though trying to be more aware of my surroundings. But such fear as I felt did not seem unsubstantiated or irrational.

Fear of stepping on something or falling or worse is not all that irrational. One might say your stance seems reckless or irrational.

I was actually thinking of crime, etc. Even if you live in a safe area, darkness creates opportunities.

And while I'm hesitant to bring this into it—if you're a man, consider if you weren't.

I don't need to illuminate the whole space all night to see where I'm going. I carry a flashlight on night walks. It light pollutes only the area right in front of me.