This general survey presents a comprehensive assessment of the effects of traffic noise on people and outlines the technical, administrative, and economic tools which could be employed in keeping these effects to a minimum. Attention is drawn to the problem of measuring noise nuisance and descriptions are given of various scales that have been employed and the units that have been developed for noise measurement and prediction. It is demonstrated that ample information exists on which to base immediate, if interim, standards for noise control. It is found that the social cost of noise cannot be evaluated in monetary terms, leaving for decision-making criteria such indices as annoyance scores or the determination of public preferences by gaming methods and simulation techniques. In reviewing methods for traffic noise reduction, it is concluded that architectural design is the most effective, whereas improved vehicle technology or traffic engineering yields only modest gains. The former can achieve a reduction of 15 to 30 dba in noise levels, while the latter only about 5 dba.
Abstract