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I live and work in a large metropolitan area. Between May 1988 and November 1997, I commuted to work, 35 miles each each way, every day. The trip was about 10 miles longer in the two years preceding this period (we moved in 1988). The “good news” was that my commute was over a scenic stretch of highway through a region that is sparsely populated. It wasn’t bad, really, and I was able to make the 35 mile trip in approximately 45 minutes.

In 1997 my job changed and my commute became approximately 10 miles shorter in each direction. It still took the same amount of time, but I was on surface streets for about a third of the trip.

Then, in Fall 1999, my job changed again and I was, once more, making the regular 35 mile freeway commute most days. Due to buildup of businesses near the highway, traffic had increased noticeably in several areas, especially around 6pm.

In early 2000 I suffered my first automobile accident on that commute. A Ford Explorer spun out in front of me on a rainy day, donutting across the freeway. I tried to miss it and failed. It clipped my rear fender and sent me spinning as well.

Only the fact that the road was relatively clear at the time (just before noon) prevented the situation from becoming much worse. My car and I achieved the relative safety of the shoulder, but I was shaken. I no longer drive that stretch of road without remembering that day.

According to Scientific American, I’m lucky. An article in the October, 2005 issue of Scientific American Mind outlines the adverse effects of long-term commuting.

When accidents snarl traffic and bad weather cripples mass transit, images of frustrated commuters often lead the nightly news. But the normal, everyday insanity that commuters endure is the bigger story.

Mobility is a prime mover in today’s job markets. Workers who want to “make it” have to be flexible and willing to take the punishment. Move to another branch office? No problem. Still want that nice house in the country? Absolutely. The result of our desires is that more and more people commute, and more travel longer than ever. The percentage of Americans with a commute greater than 90 minutes a day nearly doubled between 1990 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

It’s not just the risk of accident that makes long-trip commuting hazardous. According to the article, each additional minute of travel time correlates with an increase in health problems. These range from headaches and backaches to digestive problems and high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, fatigue and problems with concentration. And, of course, the biggest problem of all: increased stress.

I’m in the middle of a job search right now and considering possible locations for employment. I have to say that I’m not looking very hard at anything over 20 miles from our house.

I haven’t made that regular 35-mile trip for over five years. When I was doing it every day, I never really thought about it. I’d just get into my car in the morning and get on the freeway. Now, however, after five years “off”, I can’t see myself ever willingly accepting a commute of that length again.