So whats the deal? Expensive lights are essential to your driving but 'not required' for your girlfriend?
Motorists can't tell if you're only 'driving in the neighborhood' - so don't expect them to be any more attentative or considerate, and streetlights will only make anything except a high powered headlight harder to pick out. Suggest you stick to bike paths or don't play in traffic after dark without something thats up to the job.