Health, the Environment and Road Safety

Charli Hodgson, ADINJC Governing Committee Member

Introduction

I recently attended a Road Safety GB course called Health and the Environment.

If I’m honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The title alone got me thinking long before the course started.

As a driving instructor, my first thought was about the sheer number of vehicles on our roads. There are noticeably more cars now than there were 10 years ago and that naturally led me to wonder what things will look like in another 10 years.

Will we lose more green space to road building? Will congestion continue to worsen? How will this affect the way people travel and, perhaps more importantly, how will it affect road safety?

Whilst the course didn’t necessarily answer all those questions, it certainly gave me a much better understanding of the relationship between transport, public health, the environment and road safety. It also highlighted something I hadn’t really considered before……that the consequences of our driving extend far beyond the risk of collisions.

The key areas covered were:

• Air quality
• Land, water, and noise pollution
• Severance and blight
• Fear
• Health

What struck me throughout the day was how closely all these topics link back to road safety and the role we play as driving instructors.

We spend a lot of time teaching people how to drive safely and perhaps we should also be encouraging them to think about the wider impact of how they drive.

Air Pollution

One of the most eye-opening parts of the course was learning about air pollution.

Air pollution is considered the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK, with between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths each year linked to long-term exposure. There is strong evidence connecting air pollution to coronary heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and lung cancer, whilst also worsening conditions such as asthma.

The effects are even greater for vulnerable groups, including young children, older adults and those already suffering from respiratory illnesses.

The two main pollutants discussed were Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulates.

Nitrogen Oxides

These are produced when fossil fuels are burned. Road transport accounted for around 30% of UK NOx emissions in 2022. NOx contributes to smog formation and can irritate both the eyes and respiratory system.

Particulates (PM2.5 and PM10)

These are microscopic particles produced by engines, brakes, tyres and road surfaces. They’re small enough to be inhaled deep into our lungs and have been linked to conditions including heart disease, asthma, lung cancer, dementia and reduced lung development in children.

What surprised me most was the scale of the problem. Like many people, I knew air pollution existed, but I don’t think I fully appreciated the impact it has on public health. From a Driving Instructor’s perspective, one particular point really stood out. We spend hours every day sat in traffic, often in slow-moving queues surrounded by other vehicles.

One simple piece of advice was to use the vehicle’s recirculation setting and air conditioning when stationary or moving slowly in heavy traffic. This reduces the amount of polluted air being drawn into the vehicle and limits our exposure to airborne particulates. It’s a small change, but one that could make a significant difference for Instructors who spend much of their working day on the road.

Land, Water and Noise Pollution

Another area covered was the environmental impact of roads and vehicles beyond exhaust emissions.

Road construction, tyre disposal, oil contamination and plastic waste all contribute to land pollution. Meanwhile, tyres, brakes and road surfaces wear away over time, creating tiny particles which are washed into rivers and streams during rainfall.

Noise pollution was another interesting topic. Whilst many people associate vehicle noise with engines, tyre noise becomes louder than engine noise once speeds exceed approximately 40mph.

This section got me thinking about my own local area. If I step outside and simply listen, I don’t hear much birdsong anymore. Mostly, I hear traffic. The constant background noise of vehicles has become normal, to the point where many of us probably don’t even notice it.

When I stopped and thought about it properly, I found it quite sad. I’m not sure whether there are fewer birds than there used to be or whether they’re simply drowned out by the sound of traffic. Either way, it made me realise how much our transport network shapes the environment around us.

Severance and Blight

Severance occurs when major roads divide communities, making it harder for residents to access facilities, friends, family or local services.

Blight can occur when drivers begin using residential streets as shortcuts or “rat runs” to avoid congestion on main routes. Increased traffic can make areas less attractive places to live and, over time, can even affect property values.

There are several examples locally where I can see this happening. Many towns have developed ring roads to relieve congestion in their centres, which undoubtedly brings benefits. However, these roads can also create barriers between communities. Areas that once felt connected can suddenly feel separated by busy roads that are difficult or unpleasant to cross.

From a road safety perspective, severance can discourage walking and cycling, particularly for vulnerable road users, leading to greater car dependency and even more traffic.

Fear

This was another interesting topic discussed.

As traffic volumes increase, people often feel less comfortable walking or cycling. Parents may be less willing to allow children to play outside or walk to school independently. As a result, more journeys are made by car, creating a cycle that ultimately adds to congestion and increases traffic levels further.

The impact on physical and mental health is significant. Less walking and cycling means less exercise, whilst increasing dependence on vehicles.

As someone who cycles, this is something I can relate to personally. There are roads that I actively avoid because of the volume of traffic and the behaviour of some drivers around cyclists. It can create an environment that feels intimidating and stressful rather than enjoyable.

Cycling should feel freeing, relaxing and beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, heavy traffic can often have the opposite effect.

Health

Health is perhaps the area most affected by transport, yet it’s often the one people think about the least.
What I found particularly interesting was how many of the solutions align with the skills we already teach as driving instructors. Eco-driving and safe driving are often one and the same. Smooth acceleration, progressive braking, effective observation and planning ahead all improve fuel efficiency whilst also reducing risk.

Teaching learners to scan the road effectively using the Far, Middle, Near and Rear approach helps them identify hazards early and avoid unnecessary braking or acceleration.

Maintaining correct tyre pressures, reducing unnecessary vehicle weight and keeping vehicles well serviced not only improves efficiency but also reduces wear and tear and minimises emissions.

Even simple habits such as removing unused roof bars, avoiding unnecessary idling and using gears effectively can make a difference. It’s a useful reminder that good driving isn’t just about passing a test or avoiding collisions.

Good driving benefits road safety, vehicle efficiency, public health and the environment at the same time.

Active Travel

The course also highlighted the benefits of active travel. Choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport for shorter journeys can deliver a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improved mental health
• Better physical fitness
• Reduced stress levels
• Financial savings
• Improved air quality
• Reduced traffic congestion
• Lower carbon emissions
• Reduced risk of dementia
• Quieter, healthier communities

From a road safety perspective, encouraging active travel also helps create communities that are less dependent on private vehicles and more accessible for everyone.

Technology and Modern Vehicles

Modern vehicles contain a range of technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, including:

• Engine management systems
• Cruise control
• In-car efficiency monitoring
• Stop-start technology
• Telematics
• Hybrid technology
• Plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Fully electric vehicles

As instructors, we are increasingly responsible for helping learners understand not only how these systems work but also how to use them effectively and safely.

Interventions

The course also explored several initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of transport on both health and the environment. Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) have been introduced in many cities to encourage cleaner vehicles and reduce pollution. Research has shown these schemes can significantly reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions.

Other interventions include:

School Streets

Temporary traffic restrictions are applied to roads outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times. These restrictions apply to both school traffic and through traffic.

For more information visit – http://schoolstreets.org.uk/

20mph limits and zones

For more information visit – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/757307/20mph-headline-report.pdf

Sustainable Streets programme

This aims to create better streets for residents, reduce the number of car journeys and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport, in order to reduce traffic and pollution, improve road safety and lower carbon emissions.

For more information visit – https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/roads-and-transport/sustainable-streets-programme

15-minute neighbourhoods

This involves a menu of policy actions that provide residents access to most, if not all, of their needs within a short walk or bike ride from their home. It’s based upon the four pillars of: Proximity, Diversity, Density, Ubiquity.

For more information visit – https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/government-vows-to-end-blanket-imposition-of-anti-driver-policies

Whilst these initiatives are often discussed from an environmental perspective, they all have clear road safety benefits too. Lower vehicle speeds, reduced traffic volumes and increased opportunities for walking and cycling create safer environments for vulnerable road users.

Final Thoughts

Before attending this course, I viewed health, the environment and road safety as largely separate subjects. What I left with was the realisation that they’re all closely connected.

As Driving Instructors, we have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation of drivers. We don’t just teach vehicle control or how to pass a driving test. We help shape attitudes, behaviours and decision-making.

Many of the techniques we already teach:

• Planning ahead
• Driving smoothly
• Reducing unnecessary risk
• And being considerate to other road users

These things don’t just improve safety. They also improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and contribute to healthier communities.

For me, that was probably the biggest takeaway from the course.

Good driving benefits everyone!!!!!

Charli Hodgson
ADINJC Governing Committee Member