ROADWAY NOISE Meaning and
Definition
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Roadway noise refers to the sound produced by vehicles and other activities on a road or highway. It is a type of environmental noise that results from the interaction of motor vehicles with the road surface, as well as from the motion of the vehicles themselves. This term encompasses all audible sounds associated with road traffic, including vehicle engines, tires rolling on the pavement, honking, braking, and acceleration noises.
Roadway noise is often measured in terms of decibels (dB), which indicate the intensity or loudness of the sound. It is a significant component of urban and suburban noise pollution and can have various adverse effects on human health and well-being. Exposure to high levels of roadway noise has been linked to stress, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, impaired cognitive functions, and reduced quality of life.
The level of roadway noise primarily depends on the volume of traffic, the type of vehicles, speed, pavement conditions, and terrain. It tends to be more pronounced in densely populated areas and along busy roads.
Efforts to mitigate roadway noise include the installation of noise barriers or sound walls along highways, using quieter road surfaces, reducing vehicle speeds, and implementing traffic management measures such as restricting heavy vehicles during nighttime hours. Noise regulations and guidelines are also in place to set limits on acceptable noise levels and promote noise reduction strategies in road design and construction.
Etymology of ROADWAY NOISE
The term "roadway noise" is a compound noun created by combining the words "roadway" and "noise".
1. Roadway - The word "roadway" originated from the Middle English word "rodewey", which was formed by combining "rode" (meaning "riding" or "journey") and "wey" (meaning "way" or "path"). It was used to refer to a path or a way that people traveled on foot or horseback.
2. Noise - The word "noise" originated from the Old French word "noise", which was derived from the Latin word "nausea" (meaning "seasickness" or "disgust"). Over time, its meaning evolved to describe any disagreeable or loud sound.
By combining these two words, "roadway noise" refers to the sound or noise generated in relation to a road or highway.
