My Theory About Car Horns

Horns should be banned in Lebanon. Not only do they significantly contribute to the noise pollution that is second only to smog, they are enemies of safety. Ever heard the expression "it takes two to tango"? The same applies to vehicles collisions. As long as one of the two drivers is cautious and steers clear of the offender's moves, the crash is avoided.

In Lebanon, unlike most parts of the world where the horn is a gentle nudge if you're still idling at a green light, drivers use their horns to aggressively warn others to back off or to make room for their impending offense. A horn is like a wild card that excuses you from what you're about to do. You honk, we have to pause and let you get away scot-free with your traffic violation. We exercise caution so that you can commit your crime.

But what if you were stripped of that horn? What if you couldn't make neighboring cars aware of your brash intentions? What if you had to stop and make eye contact with the other driver before proceeding? Deprived of the ability to holler, you'd be compelled to slow down, to look both ways, to let pedestrians pass, and to yield to other drivers. It's how drivers abroad operate: the horn is a last-resort tool used strictly in urgent situations. The rest of the time, you're expected to drive with civility and consideration. And as such, the horn becomes superfluous.

Ban the horn, promote peace. Make roads in Lebanon calmer and safer.

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