Well, the moderators removed my post from an eBay forum last night. I was doing some more research on the detrimental effects of exposure to excessive noise when the preposterous slogan "loud pipes save lives" popped up again. I compared the slogan to a malodorous, mushy substance that comes from a particular orifice located in a horses posterior. The word could be considered profane I suppose, but it seemed appropriate given the absurdity of that weak attempt to justify juvenile, inconsiderate behavior.

Sorry, but loud pipes do not save lives. The majority of fatal motorcycle accidents are head-on and the majority of noise from loud pipes is BEHIND the motor cycle. Perhaps if bad-boy bikers want to point their exhaust forward, this claim might have a little credibility (while giving the biker a dose of his irritating cacophony heaped on the public). As with all excessive noise, loud pipes irritate people, raise blood pressure, cause anxiety, promote aggressive behavior, and motivate people to demand enforcement of noise ordinances. Loud pipes don't save lives. Loud pipes lose rights.

Our city attorney, commenting on loud exhaust and noise ordinance enforcement, said that loud motorcycles often ruin his peaceful weekends at the beach. He then said, "but I guess that's just the way motorcycles sound." It was quickly pointed out that Harley Davidson must conform to federal noise emission regulations, just like every other manufacturer selling new vehicles in the U.S. There's a good reason for those regulations; to protect citizens' right to the quiet enjoyment of their homes. Motorcycles aren't excessively loud until the owners put illegal pipes on them.

Boom cars are a nuisance too. Does that mean rap saves lives? I think not.