Heavy Traffic

Take heed the next time you find yourself idling in heavy city traffic. According to a recent study by Harvard University researchers, pollution arising from traffic congestion in the busiest U.S. cities led to about 2,200 premature deaths last year. The related price tag, the study determined, is at least $18 billion.

Researchers concluded the problem might be even more significant, since the study only looked at 83 urban areas and only issues of mortality. Not surprisingly, the traffic pollution in the Los Angeles/Long Beach/Santa Ana, California, area was deemed worst in the nation.

Still, the researchers found some positive news. The number of deaths related to traffic congestion has been declining steadily, and that drop is expected to continue through 2030. Experts partly attributed the reduction to heightened use of cleaner fuels and an increase in motor vehicles with lower emissions. Idling laws also appear to be having an impact.

Have a wonderful weekend and, as always, let us know what’s on your mind these days. We love hearing from you!