Cars communicate with people with only a single auditory channel, i.e.
the horn. Not only is it a disturbing sound, there are also many meanings to
the horn. It can signal danger, "the signal-light has turned",
"I know you", "our team has won", etc. This limitation
causes not only noise-pollution, but actually a dangerous situation, where
people who signal "hi" with the horn cause other drives to turn their
head in search of danger.
I propose expanding the auditory channels of cars. Why not have multiple
buttons on the steering wheel so that each signal a different meaning: a
"honk" for danger, "beep" for signal-light, "Scooby-do"
for "hi, I know you". This can even start a whole chain of car
ringtones. It will enrich the auditory environment and alleviate the scary
stereotypical noise of a crowded city.
Obviously, there are some safety and regulation issues that must be
addressed. We don't want people to start making all kind of noises all the
time. But as people are now not honking all the time out of respect, fear of
the law and social pressure, I believe that they will not "beep" and
"Scooby-do" all of the time as well.
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