What factors affect traffic noise?
Vehicle noise is a combination of the noises produced by the engine, exhaust, and tires. In addition, the level of traffic noise depends primarily on (1) the volume of traffic, (2) the speed of traffic, (3) the number of trucks in the flow of traffic, and (4) the distance between the traffic and receptor. In general, heavy traffic volumes, higher speeds, and greater number of trucks lead to more traffic noise. Conversely, the larger the distance between the traffic source and receptor, the lower the noise levels at the receptor. Sound intensity decreases in proportion with the doubling of the distance from the source.
