The modern society we live in is set up with more people than ever living in urban environments. These areas tend to be more robust when it comes to job opportunities. However, their design innately requires residents to use a car to get where they’re going daily.
In many cases, the increasing cost of urban housing forces people to live outside of the city they work in. This migration increases the need for daily commutes and subsequently increases traffic flow too.
Increased traffic is frustrating for commuters. With that being said, it also has detrimental effects on the environment. These effects have an impact on people, surrounding wildlife, and global air quality overall.
Causes of Traffic Congestion
When the number of cars on the road at one time exceeds the road space available, congestion quickly occurs. This backup can lead to traffic jams and an increase in accidents as cars are forced closer together in smaller spaces.
It’s common to see k-rail construction barriers and other traffic-directing devices set up in urban centers to help vehicles navigate more efficient paths. With that being said, construction zones can also innately lead to traffic inefficiencies.
An Increase in Traffic Leads to Air Pollution
Those same cities with increasing numbers of vehicles on the road also experience air pollution rates that trend upward. Unfortunately, the cars we depend on to get us from point A to point B are also significantly contributing to lower air quality.
The longer a vehicle sits on the road in a traffic jam, the more pollutants are put into the atmosphere. Less fuel is burned when a car maintains a faster rate of speed, so idling can be extremely toxic.
There are Human Health Concerns to Consider
While air pollution from vehicles is terrible for the earth’s atmosphere, it also poses a significant risk to human health. As higher levels of nitrogen oxide seep into the air we breathe, residents in urban areas can experience issues with lung function.
This condition proves particularly problematic for adults and children with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Sulfur dioxide released into the air from vehicles can also contribute to acid rain production. These pollutants are harmful to anyone in their path, including people and animals.
Environmental Noise Pollution is Also a Factor
An increase in traffic congestion also comes with its fair share of noise pollution. From running motors to honking horns, it doesn’t take long for traffic to negatively impact an environment’s tranquility.
Over time, this can affect the mental well-being of residents. It can also have a detrimental effect on surrounding wildlife habitats.
High-traffic cities that also have skyscrapers are at an increased risk. Noise pollution is further enhanced as sounds are echoed between towering architectural structures.
