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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Changes in Concentration and Educational Attainment

Reductions in concentration and educational attainment can be one detrimental result of exposure to traffic noise. Several studies examined how traffic noise has resulted to concentration problems and a reduction in educational attainment, especially in children. Research has emphasized on mitigating traffic noise exposure since it has a long lasting effect on children’s learning and development. Hence, increased concentration and educational attainment signifies a reduction in road traffic noise and effectiveness of the implemented strategy.1,2

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Data on traffic noise can be collected by asking people who live near busy roads about their concentration levels and highest level of education. This can involve the use of interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. Data can also be collected by examining accident rates near busy roads; this can indirectly measure how well people can concentrate while driving in noisy areas. 3,4

Examples

Annoyance, sleep and concentration problems due to combined traffic noise and the benefit of quiet side

Bodin et al. (2015) conducted a survey among 2,612 individuals, with questions on the outdoor environment, noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, sleep quality, and concentration problems. The results of the study revealed that individuals with access to quiet places reported a reduced risk of annoyance and concentration problems. In contrast, individuals living in populated regions reported poor sleep quality and concentration problems. From the study, it could be concluded that a reduction in concentration and education attainment is associated with road traffic noise, as these noise levels are high enough to result in a lack of focus and concentration.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/2/1612

1. Carrington, D. Traffic noise slows children’s memory development, study finds. The Guardian [Internet]. 2022 Jun 2 [cited 2022 Aug 9]; Available from: https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/02/traffic-noise-slows-childrens-memory-development-study-finds
2. Bodin, T., Björk, J., Ardö, J., Albin, M. Annoyance, sleep and concentration problems due to combined traffic noise and the benefit of quiet side. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2015 Feb;12(2):1612-28. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120201612
3. Acoustics N. Noise Surveys [Internet]. NOVA Acoustics. [cited 2022 Aug 17]. Available from: https://www.novaacoustics.co.uk/noise-surveys
4. Abdulhafedh, A. Road traffic crash data: an overview on sources, problems, and collection methods. Journal of transportation technologies. 2017 Mar 13;7(2):206-19. https://doi.org/10.4236/jtts.2017.72015