Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Automobile congestion is too often portrayed as mere nuisance or inconvenience. A new study from Germany, which we heard about via Streetsblog Network member blog The Hard Drive, reminds us that it is much more than that. The study, presented at the American Heart Association's 49th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention last week, shows that being in a traffic jam -- whether in a car, on a bike, or on a bus -- can triple a person's chance of having a heart attack:

703476356_990e40a55a_1.jpgPhoto by K2D2vaca via Flickr.

"Overall, time spent in any mode of transportation in traffic was
associated with a 3.2 times higher risk than time spent away from this
trigger," the study says.

The researchers didn't try to pinpoint the reasons for the increased risks, but stress is a suspect. Another one: the exhaust and air pollution coming from other cars, the authors said.

Past studies have discovered that pollution from car exhausts causes arteries to stiffen, resulting in higher blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the heart.

Women, the researchers found, seem to be particularly at risk.

Over at Market Urbanism, there's more talk about traffic -- and the free-market argument for road pricing. At Seattle's Orphan Road, there's a post on the "black hole" of car ownership. And Boston Biker reports on Mayor Thomas Menino's proposal to open Newbury Street to pedestrians on weekends this summer.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Trust Us’: Albany Pols Offer Only Promises To Fill Massive Hole In MTA Capital Plan

Gov. Hochul put a big "IOU" note in place of a real plan to fill the $33-billion hole in the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan.

January 15, 2025

Hochul’s ‘Heavy’ E-Bike Proposal is Light on Potential: Critics

Very few class 3 electric bikes reach 100 pounds. And they look a lot like class 2 e-bikes.

January 15, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Curb Enthusiasm Edition

New York City will launch five "microhub" delivery zones in Brooklyn and Manhattan this spring or earlier, officials said. Plus more news.

January 15, 2025

GOP Governor Hopeful Mike Lawler Dishes Culture War Dreck In Anti-Transit Tantrum

The Republican congressman journeyed to Albany to spew the same empty rage that transit opponents have trotted out for years.

January 14, 2025

Gov. Hochul Eyes Parking Ban at Elementary Schools; Advocates Say It’s ‘Not Enough’

It's a start, but why not bring the safety benefits to the whole city?

January 14, 2025
See all posts