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Car owners underestimate total vehicle costs. Giving consumers this information could encourage the switch to cleaner transport and reduce emissions. Running a car costs much more than you think Car owners underestimate total vehicle costs. Giving consumers this information could encourage the switch to cleaner transport and reduce emissions.

Background: Although from a societal point of view a modal shift from car to bicycle may have beneficial health effects due to decreased air pollution emissions, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and increased levels of physical activity, shifts in individual adverse health effects such as higher exposure to air pollution and risk of a traffic accident may prevail. Objective: We describe whether the health benefits from the increased physical activity of a modal shift for urban commutes outweigh the health risks. Data sources and extraction: We have summarized the literature for air pollution, traffic accidents, and physical activity using systematic reviews supplemented with recent key studies. Data synthesis: We quantified the impact on all-cause mortality when 500,000 people would make a transition from car to bicycle for short trips on a daily basis in the Netherlands. We have expressed mortality impacts in life-years gained or lost, using life table calculations. For individuals who shift from car to bicycle, we estimated that beneficial effects of increased physical activity are substantially larger (3–14 months gained) than the potential mortality effect of increased inhaled air pollution doses (0.8–40 days lost) and the increase in traffic accidents (5–9 days lost). Societal benefits are even larger because of a modest reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and traffic accidents. Conclusions: On average, the estimated health benefits of cycling were substantially larger than the risks relative to car driving for individuals shifting their mode of transport.

Background In 2018, Saudi women were legally allowed to drive and obtain driver’s licenses for the first time—an important milestone that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The aim of our study was to evaluate the driving experience of women in Saudi Arabia in relation to depression, anxiety, stress, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire, distributed to female drivers and non-drivers residing in Saudi Arabia between November 2024 and March 2025. The questionnaires were distributed via social media platforms and through personal outreach efforts. The online survey consists of five sections: (1) Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge regarding driving, insurance, and work location. (2) We used Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) which was a validated 21-item Arabic self-report survey assessing depression, anxiety, and stress. 3) Sleep was assessed by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). 4. Fatigue was evaluated by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). 5. A 12-item Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life. Results A total of 1,382 women residing in Saudi Arabia enrolled in the study and completed the questionnaire. There were no statistically significant differences between drivers and non-drivers across all measured domains, including mental health (40.10 ± 7.82, 40.23 ± 8.16, p  = 0.764), physical health (36.47 ± 5.40, 36.60 ± 5.92, p  = 0.695), sleep quality (7.10 ± 3.48, 6.95 ± 3.26, p  = 0.460), depression (14.10 ± 11.78, 13.45 ± 11.30, p  = 0.302), anxiety (12.55 ± 10.82, 12.34 ± 10.66, p  = 717), and stress (16.76 ± 11.96, 16.29 ± 17.17, p  = 0.476) respectively. Although not statistically significant ( p  = 0.078), the mean Perceived Fatigue Severity Scale score was higher in women who drive (31.69 ± 14.45) compared to non-drivers (30.35 ± 17.72). Our results indicated moderate levels of anxiety (12.45 ± 10.74), depression (13.80 ± 11.55), sleep disturbances (7.03 ± 3.38), and fatigue (31.09 ± 14.13) in both groups (total sample size), though no statistically significant differences were observed between drivers and non-drivers ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions This is the first study to examine the six-year driving experience of Saudi women since they were granted the legal right to drive. No significant differences were found in sleep, fatigue, stress, or overall well-being between drivers and passengers. However, longer commutes (over 30 min) were associated with increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and fatigue. These are preliminary findings, and further research is needed to explore the factors influencing the mental and physical health of Saudi women.

Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a pressing public health issue in Ethiopia, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and motorization. Despite efforts, escalating rates persist due to various factors like human behavior and road infrastructure deficiencies. This study addresses the need for comprehensive data on RTAs in Ethiopia, aiming to uncover socioeconomic and behavioral factors to inform evidence-based policies. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted from March to April 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Major databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched using specific keywords related to RTAs and Ethiopia. Studies conducted between 2014 and 2024 were included, with eligibility criteria. Data extraction followed a standardized Microsoft Excel format. Study quality was assessed using the JBI checklist, with high-quality articles included. Statistical analysis, conducted using STATA version 17, included descriptive analysis, forest plots for RTA prevalence, and examination of publication bias using Egger and Begs tests. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression explored moderating factors and sources of heterogeneity. Results The systematic review identified eight studies meeting inclusion criteria, conducted between 2014 and 2022. RTA prevalence was 36% (95% CI: 23; 49). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the estimated prevalence. Publication bias was detected via Egger’s test, though Begg’s test was non-significant. Meta-regression found no significant influence of publication year or sample size on RTA prevalence. Socioeconomic factors like income level and driving experience, alongside behavioral factors like traffic rule violations and substance use, were identified as key drivers of RTAs in Ethiopia. Conclusions The study highlights the significant burden of road traffic accidents in Ethiopia, influenced by socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Socioeconomic factors such as income level and driving experience, along with behavioral factors like traffic rule violations and substance use, emerged as prominent determinants of RTAs. Policymakers should prioritize evidence-based interventions targeting these factors to improve road safety nationwide.

We combine a theoretical discrete-choice model of vehicle purchases, an econometric analysis of electricity emissions, and the AP2 air pollution model to estimate the geographic variation in the environmental benefits from driving electric vehicles. The second-best electric vehicle purchase subsidy ranges from $2,785 in California to —$4,964 in North Dakota, with a mean of —$1,095. Ninety percent of local environmental externalities from driving electric vehicles in one state are exported to others, implying they may be subsidized locally, even when the environmental benefits are negative overall. Geographically differentiated subsidies can reduce deadweight loss, but only modestly.

While the development of cities tends to focus on improving traffic mobility, it has gradually neglected people’s demand for safety and comfort walking on the streets. To address this problem, shared streets that can integrate traditional street life and traffic mobility are getting more attention as pedestrian-friendly development. In order to measure the performance of shared streets, it is essential to identify how people feel when driving and walking around. However, investigating the various factors that influence the real world is not straightforward because of cost, time-consuming, and safety problems. Virtual reality and the Human-in-the-loop (HITL) have become valuable tools for conducting experiments without compromising them. The experiments are performed on both pedestrians’ and drivers’ sides. The three shared street layouts in a virtual environment are designed according to Europe’s real shared street cases. To evaluate shared street effects, questions in five aspects: amenity, walking or driving experience, safety, economy or priority, and environmental perception are asked to participants, respectively. MPR, EWM, and Fuzzy Comprehension Evaluation methods are used to assess the performance. The result revealed that different groups of people have different sensitivity and preferences for each evaluation criteria. However, the results of the comprehensive evalutation showed that scenario C with the largest isolation measurement is preferable in both pedestrian and driver’s groups based on shared street design elements. The city planners can get help from this shared street analysis, where the new design and layout could be tested in advance.

Background: Automobile exhaust contains precursors to ozone and fine particulate matter (PM <̱ 2.5 µrn in aerodynamic diameter; PM₂.₄), posing health risks. Dependency on car commuting also reduces physical fitness opportunities. Objective: In this study we sought to quantify benefits from reducing automobile usage for short urban and suburban trips. Methods: We simulated census-tract level changes in hourly pollutant concentrations from the elimination of automobile round trips <̱ 8 km in 11 metropolitan areas in the upper midwestern United States using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Next, we estimated annual changes in health outcomes and monetary costs expected from pollution changes using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Benefits Mapping Analysis Program (BenMAP). In addition, we used the World Health Organization Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) to calculate benefits of increased physical activity if 50% of short trips were made by bicycle. Results: We estimate that, by eliminating these short automobile trips, annual average urban PM₂.₄ would decline by 0.1 pg/m³ and that summer ozone (O) would increase slightly in cities but decline regionally, resulting in net health benefits of $ 4.94 billion/year [95% confidence interval (CI): $0.2 billion, $13.5 billion), with 25% of PM ₂ . ₄ and most O₃ benefits to populations outside metropolitan areas. Across the study region of approximately 31.3 million people and 37,000 total square miles, mortality would decline by approximately 1,295 deaths/year (95% CI: 912, 1,636) because of improved air quality and increased exercise. Making 50% of short trips by bicycle would yield savings of approximately $3.8 billion/year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs (95% CI: $2.7 billion, $5.0 billion]. We estimate that the combined benefits of improved air quality and physical fitness would exceed $8 billion/year. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that significant health and economic benefits are possible if bicycling replaces short car trips. Less dependence on automobiles in urban areas would also improve health in downwind rural settings.

Objectives This paper explores the prevalence and factors contributing to depression among truck drivers in India. The aim is to identify specific factors associated with depression in this population and to provide suggestions for mitigating these factors. Methods The study employs an observational cross-sectional analytical approach to explore truck drivers on National Highways through Jaipur, Rajasthan. It explored how work routine, workspace conditions, and family/social engagement impact depression. Variables included work hours, rest breaks, driving conditions, and social factors like police harassment. A sample of 300 drivers was selected using Probability Proportional to Size sampling from four randomly chosen halt points, based on average truck traffic, meeting criteria like experience and vehicle type. Results The study surveyed truck drivers aged 22–56 years (average 35, SD = 6.6) and identified significant associations between depression and factors like working hours (χ2 = 51.227, p  = .000), police humiliation (χ2 = 21.740, p  = .000), workspace distraction (χ2 = 89.463, p  = .000), and uncomfortable workspace conditions (χ2 = 7.997, p  = .005). Age (χ2 = 3.083, p  = .079) and marital status (χ2 = 1.782, p  = .182) were not significant. Job satisfaction (B = 1.813, p  = .001) and supervisor support (B = 1.156, p  = .018) were significantly linked to depression. Conclusions The study concludes that multiple factors significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing depression among truck drivers. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to help reduce depression rates in this population. These include making mental health services readily available and accessible, implementing strict regulations on working hours to prevent excessive fatigue, and preventing police humiliation and abuse. This research contributes to the growing concern about the mental health of truck drivers in India and underscores the need for effective interventions to address these issues comprehensively.

Vehicle 2-degree of freedom (DOF) kinematic and dynamic models are derived. The former, which uses fixed parameters, is often used for speed-based electronic differential control, but this method does not yield accurate results under varying running situations. In contrast, the latter, which depends on the tire adhesion limit to produce tire saturation force, is typically adopted for torque-based electronic differential control. However, this method also faces many difficulties in real-time implementation, and its theoretical maturity is not strong. To combine the advantages of speed-based electronic differential control and torque-based electronic differential control, this paper focuses on speed and optimum slip ratio as key factors. Additionally, to address the difficulties associated with nonlinear modeling by leveraging the simplicity of linear modeling in design and implementation, this study presents an electronic differential control based on speed and optimum slip ratio estimation for all-electric vehicles with in-wheel motors. It aims to maintain the maneuvering ability of the driver at the maximum adhesion limit. Even when the two driving wheels are subjected to uneven external disturbances from the road surface, they maintain a synchronous speed when driving on a straight line or a differential speed when turning. Simulation validation confirms that the proposed method enhances safety for in-wheel motor electric vehicles in urban scenarios involving adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice) and aggressive lane-changing maneuvers. Experimental validation confirms the static performance of the motor controller and the differential control capability of the two drive wheels. These findings lay a foundation for improving extreme-condition adaptability through three future directions: adaptive tire dynamics integration, hierarchical energy-stability control architectures, and real-time deployment validated via hardware-in-the-loop testing.