CDC Transportation Recommendations
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The U.S. transportation system has been shaped by multiple policy inputs and concrete actions which have arisen from transportation and community planners, funding agencies and others at Federal, state and local levels. Today, the system is designed to move people and goods efficiently; however, there is a growing awareness across communities that transportation systems impact quality of life and health. Government and non-government agencies are seeking innovative policies and programs that protect and promote health while accomplishing the primary transportation objectives.
Expanding the availability of, safety for, and access to a variety of transportation options and integrating health-enhancing choices into transportation policy has the potential to save lives by preventing chronic diseases, reducing and preventing motor-vehicle-related injury and deaths, improving environmental health, while stimulating economic development, and ensuring access for all people.
With this goal in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified transportation policies that can have profound positive impact on health. CDC supports strategies that can provide a balanced portfolio of transportation choices that supports health and reduces health care costs. Transportation policy can:
- Reduce injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes
- Encourage healthy community design
- Promote safe and convenient opportunities for physical activity by supporting active transportation infrastructure
- Reduce human exposure to air pollution and adverse health impacts associated with these pollutants
- Ensure that all people have access to safe, healthy, convenient, and affordable transportation
