Publication Details

Quantifying the environmental effects of speed limit policy–A case study from Michigan

Type: article

Author(s): Chakraborty, Meghna; Mahmud, Shakir; Gates, Timothy J

Pages: 41-46

Url: https://trid.trb.org/View/2240272

Publication Date: Aug-2023

Journal: ITE Journal

Volume: 93

Issue: 8

Abstract: Transportation affects human health both directly in terms of mortality and injury from traffic crashes, and indirectly through air and noise pollution, and other associated health hazards. Globally, transportation has been a major contributing factor to air pollution with more than 36 percent contribution in 2018. Tailpipe emissions, one of the main mobile sources of air pollution, include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (HC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matters. While several factors contribute to tailpipe emissions, studies have historically indicated increased speed limits and the resulting increase in operating speeds as the key contributors.