Honking advert a distraction to drivers

MOST motorists would have heard the radio advertisement urging customers to pay their sewerage bill. The advertisement is preceded by the sound of a car horn, which I find quite perplexing. Obviously, the honking sound is meant to draw the attention of listeners but I feel it is quite inappropriate when it is heard from the car radio.

This could easily be dismissed as an advertising gimmick but some drivers might find it difficult at certain times to tell whether the sound is actually from another car near them or just a noise from the radio.

Suffice to say, I was caught off guard recently while I was getting ready to move from one lane to the faster lane. All of a sudden, I heard the honking sound and instinctively swerved back to my original lane, only to find that it had come from the radio.

I can think of similar scenarios happening, which could give the driver a sudden jolt, leaving him or her vulnerable to accidents. Anyone’s attention could be disrupted by a sudden honking while, for example, negotiating a road ramp, slowing down to park or waiting for the traffic lights to change.

The fact that most people listen to the radio while driving gives us a sense of the scope of the problem. I believe many drivers have been caught by surprise and this is a talking point among many people.

It is only fair to expect the relevant authorities to take action by enforcing the existing policies on advertisements for the safety of road users.

EDDY NG SOON HOH Bandar Puteri, Puchong