Association of Road Traffic Noise Exposure and Driving Behaviors

Background: The noise caused by traffic is an increasingly prominent feature of urban environments. However, limited studies have been focused on the assessment of exposure-response relationship between road traffic noise exposure and driving behaviors in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the violations caused by road traffic noise exposure in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: Initially, a line with 70 taxi drivers was selected for the evaluation of noise exposure. According to ISO9612:2009, the eight-hour equivalent noise level [Leq8h] was measured during a workday. In addition, driving behaviors were assessed using the self-report Iranian version of Manchester driving behavior questionnaire (MDBQ). Results: Statistical analysis included the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum, Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, and logistic regression. The results of Pearson’s correlation-coefficient indicated a strong correlation with noise levels and personal characteristics with driving behaviors (P < 0.05). Moreover, logistic regression showed that noise level was significantly associated with the components of driving behaviors. Conclusion: According to the results, traffic noise exposure is a significant influential factor in the increased rate of driving violations. Equivalent sound pressure level in taxies was observed to be above of the limit for occupational comfort based on NR 17 standard, which may affect driving behaviors.