The Land Transportation Office in Region 7 (LTO 7) has intensified its campaign against excessively loud vehicle exhausts, making it a prominent issue in Cebu. This initiative targets not only motorcycles but also four-wheeled vehicles that have been modified to produce louder sounds. The regulation is clear: the maximum permissible noise level is set at 99 decibels (dB). Vehicles exceeding this limit face immediate impoundment and fines for their owners. The core message is straightforward: public roads are not stages for showboating or reckless displays.
Resistance and Rationale Behind the Crackdown
Several motorcycle groups have voiced opposition, calling for the campaign to be halted. However, it is essential to understand why LTO 7 has taken such a firm stance. The issue gained urgency following irresponsible "exhibitions" on the Transcentral Highway. A recent controversy involved a rider, known on social media as "Superman," performing a stunt near Red Cliff that nearly resulted in tragedy. This is not mere entertainment; it poses a serious risk to lives.
Beyond Physical Danger: The Mental Health Impact
Beyond the immediate dangers of accidents, there is a quieter yet more profound harm: the impact on mental well-being. Constant noise, especially during nighttime when people should be resting, triggers the body's "fight or flight" response. This leads to increased stress hormones, disrupted sleep, heightened anger, and anxiety. This is not just opinion; numerous studies from various countries have shown that prolonged exposure to traffic noise is linked to anxiety, depression, and impaired concentration. Loud exhausts are not merely a nuisance; they detrimentally affect community health.
Community Reactions and Consequences
Recall the incident on the Transcentral Highway where residents resorted to throwing stones at racing vehicles. While such actions are wrong, they represent a desperate reaction from individuals suffering from chronic sleep deprivation and lack of peace. Many responsible riders have been endangered due to a few disruptive individuals who treat the roads as their personal domain. The result? Chaos, conflicts, and stricter law enforcement measures.
Choosing Between Noise and Peace
The question now is: where do we stand? With the showboating few or the silence and peace of the majority? The 99 dB limit is not an act of oppression; it is a protection for the public. True rider discipline is demonstrated not by the volume of an exhaust but by caution, respect, and responsibility on the road. If we desire safe and peaceful cities, we must start by lowering the noise and raising our awareness.
