Often people use their car horns to indicate that they are doing a favor, such as letting a car into their lane, to another driver. The horn is also used to signal to a pedestrian for social or safety reasons. While the universal "pip" or light pop of the horn is effective, it sometimes does not work. The horn makes no noise or too much noise. Often, it mistaken for act of aggression. I suggest a second horn button that would emit a softer, less grating noise for these non emergencies. The button could be located on the steering wheel or the dash near the hazard lights button. Additionally, there might even be a volume knob.
I see three main benefits to this idea. First, drivers do not realize how loud and aggressive their horn sounds to others; a gentler horn would reduce noise pollution. Second, the effect of the real horn would be amplified, no more "boy who cried wolf" effect. A final related point is that it would make clear the intent of the driver and perhaps reduce pedestrian/biker/driver rage.
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
Great minds think alike Pablo. I made the very same suggestion under "Courtesy Horn" for all the same reasons you do. You added the matter of "boy crying wolf". Good one.
A friend once suggested the the horn be hookedup to the brakes,some jerk who keeps laying on his horn also keeps slamming on his brakes. kinda neat,probably fun to watch
Personally, this is a good idea that I had too, except it started out as a joke between me and a friend... like "Why can't a car have 3 horns? A light one to say 'it's your right of way, take it!' Second normal volumed horn to the more annoying aspects in life, and an AIR HORN to the b****es and a**holes in life."
I think this would just be more clutter added on the driver's interface. As long as you want to go down this route, it would be reasonable to add in a button to indicate anything a driver would want to say.
If increased driver communication ability is what you're going for, then I think that there must be a better way than simply adding buttons.
Why not just have a headset for the passenger and a bullhorn in the grill. Then you can just TELL ppl what you want.
Seriously, I think one more button on the sterring wheelis not a good idea. I have a 1997 Saturn SL1 and the horn button is not in the center of the wheel casue they put the airbag there. I hardly ever use my horn cause I don't want to think about finding the buttons.
So now we have Cruise control buttons, radio buttons and 2 seperate horns to think about. I know I am missing some features cause I don't own a fansy car but you get the idea.
Saw this the other day and liked it - then saw the following on TV Tonight. The "Hey Horn" can be viewed at http://www.motormate.com and appears to be along these lines although this one is pretty limited. SS
Different Approach: I actually purchased a Code 3 system for my Camaro. It has 4 different sirens but best of all it has the same horn that the Firetrucks have, the annoying spine jolting Ahhnt Ahhnt. I can clear an intersection faster than you can imagine, and no one gives me a lick of trouble because they think I'm undercover or they can't tell where the "fire truck" is at. I am actually very frugal with it - I use it sparingly, but it has an amazing effect. Hear the siren and horn at http://www.sshep.com/Code3Camaro.htm - check your state laws - in Texas you can use the fire engine horn but not the sirens obviously. SS
This could be as simple as making the horn button responsive to pressure. A light push would give a small "toot" while a hard push would give a full honk. It would just need two settings, with a partial stop in between.