Tamil Nadu

Urgent need to take the bull by the horns

Rampant and unchecked use of air horns within the city limits is a cause for concern. Not only passenger and goods vehicles but even some police vans, jeeps and State Transport Corporation buses use ‘musical’ air horns.

Buses and vans operated by some private schools and engineering colleges startle two-wheeler riders in the early mornings with non-stop honking, a resident of Bypass Road said.

Many drivers of school and college buses not only drive recklessly on the city peripheries but also blow air horns incessantly to the discomfort of other road users. Ironically, this disquieting noise of the high-pitched horns does not spare even Government Rajaji Hospital and Aravind Eye Hospital. “Only when the vehicle’s licence is cancelled, erring drivers will realise the pain of patients,” a doctor said. Despite having “no horn zone” signboards near these hospitals, drivers just do not care. Noise-free environment is very essential for critically ill patients who are on the recovery mode, the doctor said.

The lackadaisical act of police amounted to contempt as the High Court had passed orders to check the menace long ago, a retired district judge said.

Use of air horns is more pronounced in Periyar Bus Stand, Kamarajar Road, Teppakulam, New Natham Road, Alagarkoil Road, New Jail Road, Melur Road, Arapalayam and Bypass Road.

When air horns are blown continuously by drivers, it results in distraction for other road users and makes two-wheeler riders vulnerable to accidents.

An officer in the Regional Transport Office said that use of air horns was permitted on national highways but not within city limits. It was banned near hospitals. “We check vehicles at the time of issuing fitness certificate, but a sustained drive alone will put an end to this practice,” he said.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu