The health impact of sitting in lagos traffic for hours should be common knowledge for every Lagosian. Living in Lagos comes with the art of mastering patience. Residents who use the roads wake up every morning praying to God, with seamless commuting at the top of the list.
From the relentless crawl on the Third Mainland Bridge to the early mornings and late nights rush on Lekki-Epe to the gridlock around Oshodi, getting from one point to another is an exercise in endurance, and every Lagosian is angry.
As one of the most populous cities in the world, the city continues to grow, and so does its intensity of traffic conditions.
However, beyond the traffic hassle and time commuters get to spend on the roads, sitting in traffic for hours has significant health risks that often go unnoticed. This article will explore the physical, mental, and environmental health impact of sitting in lagos traffic for hours
The Reality of Lagos Traffic
Despite its name's attractiveness and charm, Lagos has an atmosphere that many people consider among the most challenging in the world. The daily grind in the mega-city is marred by congested roads. Commuters who have to leave their houses every day spend an average of 3-4 hours in traffic.
A study by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology shows that over 70% of Lagos commuters report high levels of stress attributed to traffic congestion, and long commutes have been linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression. The Lagos State Ministry of Health also highlights that 30% of Lagos residents face issues related to obesity and cardiovascular health, exacerbated by long hours spent sitting in traffic.
The Physical Health Challenges
An immediate concern for people who spend extended periods in traffic is the sedentary nature of the activity. Sitting for prolonged hours without movement can seriously affect one's health. Research has shown that sitting for long periods is associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Prolonged immobility slows down circulation, contributing to poor metabolic health. This is particularly problematic for individuals who spend their entire day sitting in traffic and then working in sedentary office environments.
Prolonged sitting can result in musculoskeletal issues, especially neck and back pain. Poor posture and a lack of spinal support can be extremely uncomfortable in a small car or crowded public transportation. Sitting for extended periods of time can cause stiffness, aching muscles, and chronic pain for commuters.
Additionally, prolonged sitting can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a disorder in which inactivity causes blood clots to form in the legs. People who spend hours sitting in traffic are far more at risk for this, particularly if they are caught in stationary traffic or have lengthy commutes.
The Mental Health
The effects of the long hours in Lagos traffic on mental health are equally worrisome. An increased level of worry and anxiety is caused by hours of traffic delays, particularly while navigating the unpredictable roads of Lagos. An overall feeling of mental tiredness is exacerbated by the noise of the blaring horns, the constant fear of being late, and the irritation of being paralyzed.
Long commutes can rob people of important personal time. Commuters frequently spend most of their waking hours traveling, which leaves little time for hobbies, self-care, or family. Feelings of discontent and burnout may arise from this lack of personal time. Although the psychological toll of everyday journeys is sometimes overlooked, it can have long-lasting impacts on a person’s overall well-being.
As earlier said, every Lagosian is angry. It can be drawn that the prevalence of road rage is one of the most harmful effects on mental health. Anger and irritation can be increased when the stress of spending hours stuck in traffic is combined with other people's aggressive driving. In addition to raising the possibility of accidents, this can impact a person's emotional condition for the remainder of the day.
Environmental Issues
Aside from the nuisance of the Maruwa (Lagos slang for buses) drivers and conductors who play side-kick cause, the exposure to environmental hazards is another frequently disregarded consequence of sitting in traffic. Commuters are exposed to dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter due to the continuous flow of automobiles and buses that release exhaust fumes. The deterioration in air quality caused by these pollutants can lead to respiratory ailments like bronchitis and asthma. Heart disease risk can also be raised by prolonged exposure to poor air quality in traffic.
The Solutions?
Lagos, the country’s commercial nerve, continues grappling with its traffic woes, but there is hope for improvement.
The truth is that Lagosians live in different realities. Residents in highbrow areas like Old Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Banana Island do not experience the life of an average Lagosian in terms of moving long distances. Most offices and high-end businesses are located in these areas. However, every turn in the sprawling city leads to a traffic event that saps commuters' energy.
Experts advocate for better public transport infrastructure and flexible working arrangements to alleviate some of the burden on commuters. A couple of years ago, the United States Consulate in Nigeria hosted a conference with the theme, ‘The Never-Ending Story of Lagos Traffic Congestion: What Can be Done? Will it be done?’
Experts at that virtual conference said Lagos should improve its traffic by investing in a three-leg transport system such as rail, mass bus transit, and ferries. The experts reasoned that such investment would improve traffic and drive job creation and business growth.
While the government and urban planners are working to improve Lagos’ traffic situation, there are measures that individuals can take to reduce the impact of long commutes on their health.
First, people can consider alternatives to driving, such as carpooling or using public transport, which could alleviate some of the congestion.
Additionally, ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and not contributing unnecessarily to emissions can help reduce environmental exposure. For individuals who must drive, taking breaks to stretch and improve posture can help reduce musculoskeletal pain.
Incorporating light stretches or walking during long waits in traffic can also help keep blood circulation active. Staying hydrated and practicing deep breathing can also help manage stress levels during long commutes.
Conclusion
It’s a no-brainer that the Lagos dream is to have stress-free movements on the roads. One should not have to burn one's energy just by commuting. We definitely cannot ignore the long-term effects they have on our well-being. From cardiovascular risks to mental burnout, the consequences are real and growing.
Change is, however, possible.
We can ease the burden on our bodies and minds by rethinking how we move, work, and plan in this bustling metropolis. Whether through better infrastructure, flexible work hours, or simply taking small steps to stay active during commutes, we can reclaim our time and health. After all, no one should have to choose between surviving the traffic and living a healthy life.
health impact of sitting in lagos traffic for hours
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