The Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution
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A boom car is a vehicle equipped with an audio system that produces excessive sound pressure levels (SPL). The pounding bass noise can be heard and felt over a wide distance, rattle windows and travel through walls. Millions of people are adversely affected by this noise.
Aftermarket sound systems were originally marketed as a means to enjoy improved sound quality and convenience in a vehicle by replacing the factory stock sound system. Today, the car audio industry promotes thuggery and passive aggressive behavior in the use of their products.
The car audio industry promotes "booming" to typically lower-middle class males in their teens and twenties with some disposable income. They assume their car will attract women and improve their social standing among their peers.
Boom cars have given rise to an urban subculture. Sound pressure level (SPL) competitions (also known as dB drag racing) are held nationwide. Non-professional competitors spend thousands of the dollars on audio equipment for their vehicles. The expensive speakers frequently blow out in competition and need to be replaced. Manufacturers and installers promote the brand and their business respectively by sponsoring professional competitors.
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People exposed to this type of noise on daily basis suffer from hearing loss, sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, anxiety, hostility, depression and hypertension.
For motorists, besides permanent hearing damage, the noise is damaging to the nervous system. The medical journal Thorax reported the cases of four young men who suffered a lung collapse triggered by loud bass music. Three of the men were at a concert or club, while the fourth was in a boom car outfitted with a 1,000-watt bass system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 25 percent of vehicle accidents are caused by driver distraction. Drivers experience reduced reaction times when listening to loud music and adjusting the controls on their car stereo equipment.
The pounding bass noise decreases a driver's ability to hear pedestrians and other vehicles. That includes emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances and firetrucks.
The largest manufacturers of boom car equipment include Sony, Pioneer and JBL. Sony uses the brand name X-Plod with the slogan "Disturb The Peace". Pioneer Electronics slogan is "Disturb, Defy, Disrupt, Ignite". JBL uses the slogan, "Either we love bass, or hate your neighbors." One of the largest retailers of car audio equipment is Crutchfield.
Car audio companies advertise through magazines, internet viral and guerilla marketing campaigns. Because their marketing often falls under the radar of mainstream culture, they have been able to avoid public scrutiny. Below are their slogans and marketing messages.
The Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association (MERA), represents automotive aftermarket retailers. They issued a position statement warning its member companies "not to use symbols, messages or suggest behavior that would adversely affect the industry. Irresponsible promotion could negatively impact the perception of our industry by the public at large and could be used against us by activists or government to regulate our products and activities".
The culture of booming is also promoted through cable television, notably MTV's Pimp My Ride (Viacom). The premise of the show takes a jalopy that is customized and outfitted with high end audio equipment. A rapper hosts the show and participants end up with a car designed to blast bass noise as a primary function of the retrofit. Car audio companies and the automotive aftermarket industry showcase their products through product placement.
These companies are members of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Along with the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association (MERA) representing dealers and installers, they have lobbied against proposed noise-pollution ordinances in communities all over America. SEMA created the 'Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus' enlisting members of congress to support their agenda.
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In recent years, Chicago and New York City have imposed stronger noise codes. Across the country, there is a patchwork of noise ordinances that is not effectively enforced. In cases where communities have tried to strengthen the noise code, the car audio industry has lobbied to defeat it.
Some municipalities require that a police officer measure the amount of noise with a decibel meter before issuing a summons. Citations are often challenged in court because the meters must be certified and calibrated for its readings to be used as evidence. In addition, police officers must be properly trained to use the expensive equipment.
An effective enforcement measure is called 'plainly audible standard' that allows an officer to determine noise levels. In Florida, noise offenders can be cited if the audio system is plainly audible at 25 feet.
In Lorain, Ohio, repeat offenders risk having their car impounded and their stereo equipment destroyed. In Gulfport, Mississippi, the police launched a public service campaign to raise awareness of the city's noise ordinance, which sets a penalty of up to $1,000 for disturbing the peace. Residents can report noise offenders through a website that the police can later follow up on.
In St. Petersburg, Florida, a retired paralegal filed a lawsuit against her neighbor after he refused to stop playing his music too loud. The story was widely covered in the media and within days, the defendant submitted a letter of apology and dismantled his boom car equipment.
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Do not approach or attempt to reason with motorists in boom cars. When possible, take down their license plate number and call the police.
Learn the existing noise codes in your community and how it applies to boom cars. Lobby officials for a stronger noise codes against booming.
Lobby police to increase patrols and fines for offenders.
Talk to your neighbors and organize; work with community groups and raise the issue of boom car noise.
If you see a car audio shop opening up in your community, organize with your neighbors and protest.
File a lawsuit against owners of boom cars in your community. The online guide Filing A Lawsuit Against Boomers includes detailed strategies on how to prepare your case, gathering evidence, and sample legal documents.
Sign up at Yahoo! Groups NoiseOFF and connect with others who are working to reduce the problem in their own community.
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Turn It Down or Pay Up! Your Music. Your Money.
A public service announcement warning motorists against illegal loud music in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Gulfport Police Department (MS) 2006 [WMV]
Buffalo Intends To Ban Boom Cars
Buffalo is cracking down on what some politicians describe as an audio mugging. They believe the city is under assault from boom cars.
WKBW 7 News (NY) 2006 [WMV]
Boom Car Noise
Covers hearing, decibels, db drag racing, safe db lebels, decibel meters, frequencies, infrasound, reacting to boom cars, vibroacoustic disease, highway safety, property values boom cars and crime, resources.
Patrice Thomas 2004 [PDF]
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