Transportation and Public Health - A Neglected Relationship

Introduction

Many transportation policies and planning have affected public health, and other better ways to inculcate public health by improving transport planning are still being studied. Health impacts such as the risk of injury and pollution per vehicle are considered during conventional planning. Still, the public's health is being ignored, resulting in reduced walking and physical activity. Various factors that show a negative impact on public health due to transportation are described in the article. Not all the effects of transportation on public health are negative.

What Is the Link Between Transportation and Public Health?

Upon tracing the links, Safety is the most important link between them.

1.Safety:

• Road traffic accidents, including vehicle-related injuries, are the major reason for death in children and adults.

• Many interventions by the engineers involved in transportation have successfully reduced injuries with the invention of safer vehicles with rearview cameras and airbags. Safety has improved by providing advanced traveler information systems, traffic signals, and rules.

2. Air Quality:

• It is another factor that forms a link between transportation and the public's health. Air pollution is caused by emissions of pollutants from vehicles containing nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, which is very harmful. Many health issues, such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can also occur.

• Transportation policies that help in promoting a cleaner environment and air are implemented by advising alternative fuel vehicles, replacing older heavy vehicles that work on diesel.

• Clean air act was amended in 1977, which is responsible for maintaining air quality standards.

3. Physical Activity:

• It is the third major link between public health and transportation and is least acknowledged by professionals.

• Individuals who are physically active have a reduced risk for certain diseases like diabetes, depression, stroke, heart disease, and cancers and tend to live longer.

• Inactive people contribute to obesity along with genetics. Due to unhealthy lifestyles, most of them have an increased risk of diseases affecting the heart, gallbladder, and bones.

• An individual's physical activity depends on his choices, and the design of the transportation system has influenced the choices. Bicycling and walking are the least chosen. Development by designing neatly maintain side works and bicycle paths encourage both working and bicycling.

4. Equitable Access:

• It is the fourth link between public health and transportation, meaning balanced taxes on services and goods. An individual requires access to education, jobs, food, health care, social interaction, and recreation. All are necessary to contribute to the improvement in life quality. Persons with disabilities and poor people fall under the most vulnerable population effective of the lack of convenient and safe alternatives to transportation to access services and goods. Improvement in walking and bicycling facilities can help individuals to access essential activities, goods, and services. Travel use can increase urban accessibility degree and sustainability.

5. Noise:

• It is an interlink affected due to transportation. Hearing loss, disturbance in sleep, and other adverse health effects can be caused due to noise. This can be improved by constructing sound barriers and using road surface materials that produce less noise.

What Is the Aim of Implementing Policies and Missions to Improve Public Health by Improving Transportation?

The main aim is to ensure a safe, fast, accessible, and efficient means of transportation system that can meet the interest of most percentage of individuals and improve the quality of life. All these contribute to enhancing the health of the public.

• Safety: Preventing injuries, thereby skipping the financial costs of hospital treatment, is an important factor in designing a proper transportation system.

• Efficiency: Reduction of motor vehicle conditions and providing walking and bicycling facilities can lead to an efficient transport system reducing pollution and enhancing physical activity and health.

• Accessibility: The quality of life and health of poor, disabled, and elderly populations can be enhanced by providing facilities to access essential goods and services.

How Is the Link Between Transportation and Health Framed?

Different states have come up with their policies to improve the impact of transportation on public health.

Public health is influenced by various transportation policies. Certain States have adopted exemplary goals in achieving a balance between transportation and public health. Certain strategies which improve transportation and public health include

1. Integrating transportation and health planning.

2. Conducting an assessment of the impact on health.

3. Promoting and encouraging walking and safe bicycling.

4. Expanding the infrastructure of pedestrian and bicycle users.

5. All these strategies can be used to increase the awareness of public health and transportation in various sectors and collaborate with them to ultimately provide better health in all communities.

A new approach to support Complete Street is a strategy that emphasizes projects on road constructions to meet the needs of the local people and enjoy safe travel and create a stronger community. This complete street approach has been implemented in many regions to realign transportation with health priority. Sidewalks and bicycle system route plans made walking and bicycling convenient and safer for all.

Conclusion

Air pollution and road accidents can occur due to motor transport and decreased physical activity, which is a risk factor for deteriorating health. Alternative transportation options should be present to support physical activity, including transport such as walking and bicycling, to improve health. Every city is a web of bridges, roads, highways, and side works used by people to connect with each other and to their places of living, work, and social interaction. While this transportation system has various opportunities and increased mobility to access health care services, goods, and essentials, most of them predominantly rely on motorized transportation leading to bad consequences on health. Every year the cause of health with, road traffic accidents, pollution, or physical activity add to a huge amount, but a clear light has not been put on health while considering transportation planning. People in communities with walkable and transit-oriented areas are healthier as they are physically active and have decreased rates of accidents and pollution. All these factors conclude that transportation is a critical factor influencing people's and community health. Investment in sidewalks, trails, and other constructions supporting physical activity can improve the community's health.