Mumbai is a noisy city – sound levels are often higher than those recommended by the World Health Organisation. Honking has become a habit for most drivers, irrespective of whether they need to blow the horn or not. In fact, we even encourage honking in a way, we've all seen the "Horn Ok Please" signs on the back of trucks. Some carmakers even make their cars with louder, more durable horns to prevent faster wear thanks to excessive honking. 

 

Teams across the city are currently attempting to work towards finding a solution to this problem. Take Mayur Tekchandaney's Project Bleep, a simple warning system that chides the driver into honking much lesser. Mayur's company has stated that they observed a reduction of over 60 percent in honking from cars equipped with the Bleep device. It's essentially a small beeping, flashing light placed in your car that goes off if you honk too much, so you're always aware when you honk too much. Project Bleep is even in talks with the government to have this device mandatorily installed in taxis and other vehicles.

 

There's another system that comes from a group of engineers who call it the Oren Horn Usage Meter, reported by the Hindustan Times. It allows drivers a limited number of honks, as part of a 'honk allowance', before the tail-lights start to flash. The Mumbai Police will then be able to spot the offender and fine them. Refilling the car's 'honk allowance' is much like how you would a pre-paid phone. 

 

Both of these are being considered by the Mumbai government and for the citizens of Mumbai, it cannot come a moment too soon.

 

How often have you woken up to the sound of honking? Precisely. Don't blow your car's horn so often, unless absolutely necessary.  

 

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