This indicator measures traffic volume (average annual daily traffic) along nearby major roads, divided by distance in meters.

Everyone should be able to live in neighborhoods where it is safe to breathe while having safe, accessible, and convenient transportation options to get to work and other destinations. Living near freeways and major roadways that generate high traffic volume and cut through communities can discourage physical activity, exacerbate air and noise pollution, and disconnect people from the places that matter most. These high traffic volume areas are associated with increased air pollution and pose risks to physical activity levels, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Areas with high traffic volume often have elevated levels of air pollution, particularly from vehicle emissions. These pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).¹⁶⁴ Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollutants has increase respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and increased risk of respiratory infections.

Traffic-related air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

High traffic areas are often associated with higher rates of accidents, leading to an increased risk of death and injury for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The combination of congestion, driver behavior, and limited visibility in densely trafficked zones contributes to a heightened likelihood of collisions, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety measures and traffic management strategies to mitigate the toll on human lives.¹⁶⁵

Safety concerns related to traffic accidents and air pollution exposure discourage individuals from engaging in active transportation, contributing to sedentary lifestyles and associated health risks, including obesity and related chronic diseases. Promoting pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and alternative transportation options is essential to mitigate the negative impact of traffic volume on physical activity.¹⁶⁶

Chronic exposure to traffic noise, a common feature in high traffic volume areas, has also been linked to elevated blood pressure and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.¹⁶⁷ Additionally, decreased physical activity resulting from perceived safety concerns and limited access to walkable environments in high traffic areas contribute to cardiovascular risk factors.

Traffic congestion and noise pollution in high traffic volume areas can harm mental health and overall well-being. Chronic exposure to traffic-related stressors can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and decreased perceived quality of life.¹⁶⁸ Furthermore, limited access to green spaces and social isolation resulting from fragmented communities in densely trafficked areas exacerbate mental health challenges. Implementing urban design strategies prioritizing noise reduction, green space provision, and community cohesion is crucial for promoting mental well-being in high traffic environments.

Recognizing the relationship between traffic volume and health outcomes is essential for informed public health policy and urban planning initiatives. Addressing the complex challenges posed by high traffic areas requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing air quality regulations, active transportation infrastructure, and community-centered design strategies. By prioritizing health considerations in transportation and land-use planning decisions, policymakers can foster healthier, more sustainable communities for all residents.

For all strategies, jurisdictions should direct and prioritize efforts for places already overburdened by the impact of high traffic volume, such as air pollution, traffic-related injury and mortality, and lack of access to green space and work to address existing inequities in health. In addition to relieving existing burdens, jurisdictions should identify opportunities to maximize additional health or quality of life benefits that can be achieved in addition to decreased traffic volume. For instance, Weatherization Programs can improve indoor air quality, reduce asthma triggers, provide job training opportunities, and save residents money. Local governments should prioritize interventions that minimize risk in communities of highest need while maximizing co-benefits that meet community needs.