The city was ranked third among 68 cities nationwide in its increase in time people spend waiting in traffic. That is valuable time and money spent away from work, family, and friends. In addition to the loss of valuable time and money, traffic congestion causes many serious health and safety problems.
Cars idling in traffic create more air pollution than moving cars.
Ground-level ozone, primarily from cars and trucks, causes numerous health problems such as coughing, chest pain, and nausea. It also worsens more serious illnesses such as bronchitis, heart disease, and asthma. Asthma is on the rise, with over 35,000 children suffering from asthma in New Mexico. Carbon monoxide is a poison that starves the body of oxygen. Increased traffic congestion worsens our air problems, increasing the chances of violating federal standards once again.