Final answer:
This answer discusses the question of why one might feel unsafe being alone on the street at night, mentioning factors such as decreased visibility, potential criminal intent, environmental cues, and social disorder. Lighting and the presence of certain social elements play significant roles in heightening fear, while improved environmental design may help alleviate those fears.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, "Why do you feel that you should not have been alone on the street at night?" reflects a common concern about safety after dark. When alone at night, individuals can feel vulnerable because of the decreased visibility and the potential for encountering individuals with the intent to commit crimes. Additionally, the lack of social presence and observing signs of social disorder, such as graffiti or vandalism, can further promote a sense of insecurity. In the provided reference information, the feeling of nervousness when hearing footsteps behind, or the fear experienced by women in poorly lit parks illustrate how darkness and environment can impact one's perception of safety.
Environmental factors, such as lighting, are crucial in how safe people feel when traversing streets alone at night. As noted, dark areas are often associated with danger because they provide potential hiding spots for would-be attackers. Furthermore, encountering certain elements of society that are perceived as tied to criminal activities, such as groups of loitering young men or addicts, can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and the urge to avoid being alone in these settings.
Therefore, feeling the need to not be alone on the street at night is a response motivated by a mix of personal safety concerns and the interpretation of environmental cues that signal potential danger. Encouragingly, efforts to enhance street lighting, maintain public order, and create environments that are welcoming at all hours, can help to mitigate these fears.