A USDOT University Transportation Center

Reduced Annoyance

Reduced annoyance is an indicator that measures the extent to which commuters get annoyed due to traffic noise. Annoyance as a result of traffic noise can be caused by several conditions, some of which include the frequency of the noise, the duration of exposure, and intensity of the noise.1

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

The National Transportation Noise Map provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation allows users and other stakeholders to search for noise exposure information by location. Another way is to contact state DOTs or local city planning offices. These offices usually have noise maps that show traffic noise levels for specific areas.2

Examples

Road traffic noise and annoyance – An increasing environmental health problem

Bluhm et al. (2004) conducted a study to determine the degree of annoyance and sleep disturbance amongst commuters due to traffic noise in urban locations. The research used questionnaires to interview 1,000 people aged 19 to 80. The study’s findings showed that 2 percent of individuals exposed to traffic noise levels less than 50 dBA experienced chronic irritation, whereas 13 percent of the chosen participants expressed frequent annoyance—a difference of 11 percent. Researchers found that those who resided in flats had greater sleep issues than those who did not live in detached or semi-detached homes. The researchers concluded that exposure to traffic noise, even at low levels, was bothersome and interfered with sleep.

https://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2004;volume=6;issue=24;spage=43;epage=49;aulast=Bluhm

1. Ouis, D. Annoyance from road traffic noise: a review. Journal of environmental psychology. 2001 Mar 1;21(1):101-20. https://doi.org/10.1006/jevp.2000.0187
2. National transportation noise map [Internet]. Bts.gov. [cited 2022 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.bts.gov/geospatial/national-transportation-noise-mapa