No studies were found looking at the direct impact between connected vehicles (CVs) and public health. However, a great deal of literature has studied how various CV applications, such as eco-driving, traffic signal optimization, and platooning, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and various pollutants. For example, research indicates that eco-driving can lead to a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 10 percent [1]. Traffic signal optimization through Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 15 percent [2]. Additionally, platooning can reduce fuel consumption by up to 8 percent for trailing vehicles due to decreased aerodynamic drag [3]. The US Department of Transportation also developed a suite of eco-CV applications, including eco-approach and departure at signalized intersections, eco-traffic signal timing, and eco-lanes, which collectively could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 12 percent [4]. Among these applications, half of them rely on human responses to various messages while the other half relies on automation. Emission reductions are primarily achieved through enhanced situational awareness (e.g., traffic signal status) ahead of time, allowing vehicles or humans to respond in a more eco-friendly way.

Pourrahmani et. al [5] conducted a health impact assessment of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in the San Francisco Bay Area, finding that road traffic injuries and deaths could be reduced significantly, that emissions could be reduced by CAV-enabled mechanisms like eco-driving, platooning, and engine performance adjustment. However, the study also found that CAV adoption could create negative health effects from reduced physical activity due to mode shift to car travel, in the absence of policies/efforts to mitigate potential health-related risks [5].