📌 Key Facts

• Traffic Noise Problem: Mumbai suffers from severe traffic noise issues, frequently exceeding 80 decibels, making it comparable to some of the busiest streets in the world. This chaotic soundscape contributes to various health concerns, including potential hearing loss among traffic officers.
• Cultural Honking Practices: In Mumbai, the prevalent belief is that honking is necessary for navigating roads. Many drivers feel that without honking, they won't be able to make others move out of the way, thereby perpetuating a constant cycle of noise.
• Horn Upgrade Trends: Demand for louder vehicle horns is growing, with shops specializing in high-decibel horns. Drivers increasingly prefer these loud horns to ensure visibility and compliance from pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Impact on Road Safety: Despite the popularity of louder horns, road safety remains a critical issue, with more than 150,000 fatalities from accidents annually in India. The presence of louder horns hasn't translated into safer driving conditions.
• Potential Solutions: The Indian government's proposal to replace vehicle horns with sounds from traditional instruments reflects an innovative yet controversial solution to the noise crisis. However, experts caution that implementing such measures could create unintended noise pollution issues.

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