Lagos’ horns free day: Matters arising

Recently, the Fashola administration enjoined Lagosians to observe a horn-free day in Lagos state. The whole essence is to emphasise a noise-free atmosphere with a view to enhancing healthier living. When viewed against the backdrop of a recent research that declared Nigeria as the noisiest country in the world, then this novel idea from the state government will be better appreciated. Reports across the state indicate a reasonable level of compliance for the horns free day initiative. Surprisingly, the most encouraging level of compliance came from members of NURTW whom many have expressed doubts over their willingness to embrace the idea.

Despite the relative success recorded during the horns free day, it is important to stress that the underlining principle behind the concept is not for drivers not to make use of horns, but that they should only use horns when it is absolutely necessary. It is important to highlight this fact because when put to good use, horn is an important part of the art of driving. In Lagos, commercial bus drivers are particularly guilty of frenzied use of horns. It is in order to curb this tendency and also draw attention to the health hazards of un-cultured usage of horns that government put up the idea of a horn free day.

As earlier stated, the horns free day initiative is essentially about drawing attention to the danger of noise pollution. It is not in any way to suggest that horns constitute the only source of noise pollution. Rather, the main objective is to bring to light the hazard of noise pollution which occurs from various sources. Sound is measured in a unit known as decibels. Though there is no fixed particular decibel limit to decide when sound becomes noise, it is understood that a continuously high decibel limit will constitute noise pollution. Some areas do designate their own sound limits, which of course vary from one legislation to another. In the United States, for instance, most states have a sound limit of 65 dB in the daytime and 55 dB in the night-time, applicable to the streets. Anyone crossing this limit would be causing noise pollution. According to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA),   the level of noise allowed in the state is between 55 decibel during the day and 42 to 45 decibel at night

If not properly controlled, noise can take a severe toll on human health in the long run. Though, the effects might not be apparent immediately, but eventually there could be repercussions.  Medically, noise causes severe mental health problems, sleep deprivation, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, and many other diseases. The most immediate effect of noise pollution is, however, a deterioration of mental health. Continuous noise can create panic episodes in a person and can even raise frustration levels. Also, noise pollution is a big deterrent in focusing the mind to a particular task. Over time, the mind may just lose its capacity to concentrate on things.

Another immediate effect of noise pollution is a deterioration of the ability to hear things clearly. Even on a short-term basis, noise pollution can cause temporary deafness. But if the noise continues overtime, there’s a danger that the person might go stone deaf. Noise could also affect the heart negatively. It has been proven scientifically that the rate at which heart pumps blood increases when there is a constant stimulus of noise pollution. This could lead to side-effects like elevated heartbeat frequencies, palpitations, breathlessness and the like, which may even lead to cardiac arrest. Noise pollution can cause dilation in the pupils of the eye, which could interfere in ocular health in the later stages of life. Noise pollution is equally known to increase digestive spasms. This could be the precursor of chronic gastrointestinal problems.

Lagos, with a population of over 20 million people and great intense economic and social activities, obviously has serious issues with noise pollution. Here, the major sources of noise pollution include street trade, motor parks, generators, worship centres and road side music centers. Indeed, most worship centres in the state are located in residential areas and the noise they generate is often a major source of pain to most residents.

There is a need for stakeholders to come out with relevant plans and strategies to tackle the ugly trend of noise pollution in our society.  Growing trees is a very significant way in which roadside noise can be curtailed. Trees act as buffers for absorbing the sound that is produced on the streets and hence reduce noise pollution. That is the reason why roads with trees on both sides seem to be more silent and peaceful. This, of course, is one area where the Lagos state government has made significant in-road in recent time. With regards to worship centers, it is important that they comply with the state’s standard on noise while it is equally necessary that most of them begin to make use of sound proof equipment to reduce noise during their worship services, either during the daytime or at nights. The practice of making use of horn speakers that tend to disturb residents should be discouraged. In a place like Lagos where people daily experience stress, it will be rather unfair for people to get home, after a stressful day, only to be faced with the threat of unwanted noise. If we want to maintain a sane society, this practice must stop.

Similarly, motorists should desist from indiscriminate use of horns unless it is absolutely necessary. We all know how easily traffic sound limits are trespassed when there is a traffic jam. We might be desperate to get through, but honking horns will not solve any issues. It will only add to the already aggravated stress level.  Equally, factory workers should make it a point to wear earplugs and muffs while it is imperative that factory owners provide these necessary devices for their workers.

In case it does not exist already, the various legislative arms of governments across the country should work on relevant legislations that will help in curbing noise pollution in the country. The prevalence of major life threatening diseases is already causing enough health hazards in the land. Hence, it is only sensible that we shun all human induced activities that could further endanger human lives.

Tayo Ogunbiyi