To figure out which region is faring worst, we looked at three issues facing the country's 25 largest metropolitan areas. First, we examined year-round particle pollution levels based on rankings by the American Lung Association, which used air monitoring data that states submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2003-05. To estimate the time people spend in rush hour traffic, we used the Texas Transportation Institute's 2005 Urban Mobility Report, which calculated annual delays per traveler during peak hours in urban areas nationwide. Finally, to get a sense of how dangerous the roads are, we compiled the number of per-capita fatal car accidents each region had in 2005 using the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Topping the list were Riverside, Calif., followed by Atlanta and Los Angeles. Rounding out the top five were Houston and Washington, D.C., which tied... Full story
The only reason San Diego didn't make the list is geographic; we have wind that blows our pollution away. L.A. is in a basin and the stuff just sits there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Aug 1 2007, 08:58 AM) [snapback]488654[/snapback]</div> I went through their slide show, San Diego was there at #8. My Phoenix area commute was also there at #13. The commutes were ranked by accident rate as well as pollution.
They should create car HEPA filters or do our current car filters get that stuff before it pumps it into the cabin?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tadashi @ Aug 1 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]489020[/snapback]</div> It doesn't filter skunk. I learned THAT lesson. :wacko:
I think they missed one of the most unhealthy commutes ever: If you travel on Hwy 1 from El Segundo heading north, you will go through a tunnel that travels under the runway(s) of LAX. If you make that trip during rush hour(s) its like piping the exhaust straight into your car. I only made that mistake one time.
Glad to be LEAVING DC soon - it is over 100 degrees today and I'm sure being stuck in traffic out there today won't be fun.
