Road Safety, Public Transportation and Health Andrés Villaveces MD PhD Behavioral & Social Sciences Researcher Health & Infrastructure Safety and Environment Units RAND Corporation March 28, 2012 Pan American Health Organization

How can we achieve healthy transportation systems? Safety within a healthy system Other elements to consider: –Efficiency, utility, economic value, environmental impact, freedom to choose modes, individual/population benefits –Multimodal uses, connectivity –Legal, political, economic context Health is the primary objective…

Health impacts: –Obesity –Pollution –Injuries –Stress and mental health –Noise –Other health consequences Health is the primary objective…

Examples: Mortality risks by mode: Calculating risks Transportation fatalities, per 100 million passengers, by transportation mode, Great Britain, 2004.

Examples: Mortality risks among cyclists: What are the risks of walking or cycling? What are the risks of NOT walking or cycling RECALL THE PREVIOUS HEALTH RISKS!!!! Calculating risks

Adapted from: Hartog, J. J., Boogaard, H., Nijland, H., & Hoek, G. (2011). Do the health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks? Ciencia & saude coletiva, 16 (12), Calculating risks

Adapted from: Rojas-Rueda, D., de Nazelle, A., Tainio, M., & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2011). The health risks and benefits of cycling in urban environments compared with car use: health impact assessment study. BMJ, 343, d4521. Calculating risks

Multi modal options, transport efficiency, and health Source : Arlington County, VA, Bikeshare Transit Development Plan, 2012 Available at: 61% of users chose an active mode of transportation over a passive mode Mode replacement because of choices relieved congestion in other systems

Preventative measures and health promotion Health promotion –Physical activity –Air quality –Safety measures (legislation, design, behaviors) –Reducing social isolation and inequalities –Noise reduction –Other economic and social benefits