Photo credit: jae p
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
Pennsylvania residents should be pleased that a Philadelphia state legislator introduced a bill that will penalize motorists who drive with modified mufflers and exhaust systems, as well as repair shops that make these modifications. This legislation will apply to motorcycles, ATVs and cars. This Times Observer article stresses that noise from mufflers and modified exhaust systems can affect hearing, relaxation in homes and can increase noise complaints. This type of noise can also adversely affect our physical and mental health and well-being.
As a New York City resident, I was pleased to see the article mention that a similar bill is already in effect here in New York. The acronym selected to describe the Pennsylvania bill — SLEEP (Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution) — is the same acronym used in New York. The article informs readers that New York City has started to install noise cameras to identify loud cars. Michigan has also introduced a bill to penalize loud driving.
Let’s hope that states which have not yet passed legislation to penalize drivers who modify mufflers and exhaust pipes will consider it in the future. Noise is a universal health hazard!
