3. Impacts of traffic jams

How does traffic congestion affect people and the environment?

Impact of traffic congestion on people

Reduced productivity

• Productivity refers to the rate at which goods or services are produced.

• Productivity is measured in output per unit of labour

• Productivity involves engaging in activities that bring about economic benefit

• Traffic congestion reduces productivity

• Productivity goes down when the transport system is inefficient

Stress on physical and mental health

• Physical health refers to the general condition of a person’s body.

• Mental health refers to a person’s psychological state as indicated by his or her emotions and behaviour.

• Stress on physical health

– Loss of concentration

– Falling asleep

– Asthma and lung disease from pollution emitted by traffic

• Stress on mental health

– Stress, frustration and anxiety

– Makes drivers more likely to get involved in fights and accidents

Impact of traffic congestion on the environment

Air pollution

• Traffic congestion increases pollution in a city

• More than half of the air pollution in the USA comes from vehicles

• Cars emit greenhouse gases

• Cars emit other harmful air pollutants (e.g. smog)

• Smog is a combination of smoke and fog, caused by exhaust and particles from cars and factories.

• Smog has several negative effects in the body and the environment

– Difficulty in breathing

– Asthma

– Reduced resistance to lung infections, colds and eye irritation

– Reduction in life expectancy

– Slowdown in plant growth

– Pollution of soil and water surfaces

Noise pollution

• Noise pollution: Harmful and excessive noise that may disrupt human and animal life

– Road traffic causes noise pollution in the UK and Kolkata

– Noise pollution is harmful to human health