A proposed bill from New York City council members would require emergency vehicles operating in the Big Apple to use quieter sirens.
The bill was reintroduced by Councilwomen Carlina Rivera and Gale Brewer, and would cap sirens at 90 decibels, which is 30 decibels less than they are now. Additionally, emergency vehicles would need to have their sirens use an alternating, high-low frequency sound like what is used in Europe, according to the New York Post.
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“We know that New York is a loud city, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer ear-piercing siren noise that disrupts daily life and neighborhood enjoyment while still allowing these vehicles to get through and get to people in time,” Rivera said at a recent hearing.
The loudness of 90 decibels is slightly louder than the noise a leaf blower or gas-powered lawn mower makes, but is slightly quieter than the noise of what a motorcycle makes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Not all council members believe that such a change is one the city needs, including Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who believes that lowering the sirens would “defeat their purpose.”
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“We need to be taking measures to save lives here, and the louder sirens can give emergency personnel a few extra, potentially vital seconds to get to a victim and successfully rescue them,” said Ariola.
Those who support the legislation argue that quieter noise from sirens would reduce hypertension, which is blood pressure that is higher than normal, according to the CDC. Quieter sirens would also decrease coronary heart disease, according to a 2016 study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
