New law known as 'driver relief'

I'm pretty sure the first line of this article is the most racist thing I've ever read from a news reporter..."Since those who need to probably won't read this." Lovely. And if this isn't the most racist thing I've read, it's at least the most condescending. Biatch, I hope you can't hear your NPR.

New law known as 'driver relief'
Loud stereo will drain the wallet
BY EILEEN KELLEY | EKELLEY@ENQUIRER.COM
Oct 28, 2007

Since those who need to probably won't read this...

Here's a verbal approach the rest of you can use next time you're in the situation where the THUMP THUMP THUMP of a fellow driver's stereo washes out your child's nursery rhymes or the zingers from the "Car Talk" guys on PBS.

You know the ones - those with the car stereos that make your windows shake and cause loose change to fall off the dashboard. The ones who, no matter how long and how mean the stare you give them at the stoplight, just don't seem to get the message that their stereo drives you batty.

Well, take heed. Tougher penalties and the possibility of having that loud car towed are now in place in Cincinnati and they could be just the thing to save your sanity.

And your eardrums.

And the Car Talk guys' zingers.

City council last week voted to toughen the current code.

While it may take time for word to make its way to those who really do need to read this, should you care to give it a go with a verbal approach, may we suggest this:

Ahem. (Clear throat.) Excuse me.

Hello, excuse me. (Hmm, clearly not working. Let's try waving hands frantically and then turn wrist clockwise in a manner that simulates the rolling down of a window.

(It worked.)

Hello. Yes you. Can you - CAN YOU PLEASE TURN DOWN YOUR MUSIC for just a minute.

Please.

Yes you. (A bit sheepish now.) You, the person with the cranked-up bass. Lovely song, by the way.

(Smile)

Thank you. Just wanted to pass on a tip from the city's friendly men in blue and members of Cincinnati City Council: Keep blaring that music while you tool around town and you could see your ride on the rear of a tow truck.

That's right.

Oh, you've been nabbed before?

But how much did it cost?

You see, Cincinnati police already go after noise violators to the tune of about 550 a year.

How many are repeat offenders isn't known, but some on city council are hoping that stiffer fines and the possibility of having the alleged offender's car towed will reduce the number of people who insist that everyone within a block of their ride wants to hear their song.

That is, if you can call THUMP THUMP THUMP a song.

The towing and added fines measure earned support of all city council members but David Crowley. All nine members on the council are up for re-election.

The measure was proposed by council members Leslie Ghiz and Cecil Thomas and penalties will include:

A $150 increase in the fine - to $250 for first-time offenders.

For those nabbed again within a year of their first conviction, the fine would be $350. A third time within a year of the first conviction? A $500 fine and the possibility of having the car towed. More fees for impounding and storage of the vehicle would apply and the fine must be paid to get back the car.

"It's garbage music," said Thomas. "The bottom line is we have people all over the city that are sick and tired of hearing that (booming) sound and that kind of language."

Laws regulating loud cars have been on the books since the late 1970s. In 1979, the fine was not less than $12 and not more than $25.

Prior to the change Wednesday, the maximum fine was $100. Now it's a mandatory $250 fine for a first offense. That might get people to think twice and not turn the volume knob so far to the right that a bup bup bup turns to a THUMP THUMP THUMP.

"I would think it would," said Thomas

Ghiz admitted the matter might seem trivial for a big city with more pressing problems, but said she hears loud stereo complaints frequently. Less than 24 hours after the adjustment to the ordinance was passed, Ghiz and Thomas said community feedback has been positive.

"I had a grandmother call me and say, 'Thank you thank you thank you,' Thomas said.

So there you have it. Remember, should you decide to spread the word to those who really do need to read this be sure and smile again as you pass the word along.

So thank you for your time and um, lovely song by the way.