We understand the psyche behind why people honk incessantly leading to a deafening cacophony
Mumbaikars are accustomed to extreme traffic, bad roads, parking issues and pedestrians jaywalking. However, another major problem that is as common is the constant honking of vehicles. The blaring sound of the horn is now a deep-seated problem. Unnecessary honking has been causing multiple complications like stress, disturbance to people, especially senior citizens, and even hearing disabilities. Health is the primary reason for this issue to be addressed immediately.
A case of frustration?
A lot of people who dna spoke to were of the opinion that the major reason for incessant honking is that commuters are frustrated. Dr. Maitri Patel, a malad resident, shares, “I think the heat, pollution and traffic together start irritating the drivers, which ultimately leads to frustration and hence the non-stop honking.” Echoing the thought is Andheri resident Melissa Fernandes, who opines, “I think the foremost reason is that they (drivers) are frustrated and in a hurry. So, they displace this anger by honking continuously.” Nepean Sea Road resident Shriyam Chaturvedi shares, “Incessant honking is quite annoying as people do it despite knowing that there’s no way ahead. Indians simply love to honk unnecessarily. It’s disturbing and irritates me all the time.”
Who are the culprits?
Honking sounds have taken a toll on the health of many people. A major part of the cacophony originates from the bikers who keep honking while zipping through the traffic, trying to make their way. Other reasons attributed to honking include expressing annoyance at the slow-moving traffic or trying to overtake a vehicle but finding no room to do so.
The attitude of most Mumbaikars towards this issue is also surprising. When told not to honk, the most common response is ‘Then, how are we supposed to drive?’. Several NGOs opine that in India, honking is a mindset and people are so habituated to it that not doing so makes them uncomfortable.
Borivali resident Rahulratan Chauhan, agrees, “Incessant honking is more of a psychological problem and it has become a habit now. People think that if they honk, the vehicle ahead of them will fly off and make way for them. Honking, when it is absolutely necessary, is okay but unnecessary honking is bad. When the signal is red, I have seen people honking the moment it turns green, even when they can see a few vehicles ahead of them in the lane.”
Need for change
Though NGOs, think tanks and good samaritans have been spreading awareness about this menace, positive change can only take place if each individual realises what they are doing. If not that, better policing may prove to be helpful. The traffic police needs to fine heavily for incessant honking and there should be more cops to man the busy junctions where the honking is the loudest. Milind Bharambe, the newly appointed Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) shares, “Honking distresses everyone on the roads and we certainly need to reduce it. I have just taken over and I am still trying to understand the nitty-gritty of the traffic department but campaigning against honking is something on my list, for sure. However, if a person is found to be honking unnecessarily, charging him a certain fine under the relevant section is mandatory."
Expert speak
Sumaira Abdulali, Convener of Awaaz Foundation, shares a few important facts about noise pollution:
- Health-based decibel levels were determined by the WHO; the Indian Noise Rules are based on those decibel levels.
- Any exposure above 85 dB for an industrial worker causes serious and sometimes, permanent health effects including loss of hearing, high blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, etc.
- A sound level of 85 dB is normal for 24 hours a day in some parts of Mumbai and this only gets louder in peak traffic hours or when there is a construction site nearby or during festivals and the wedding season.
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