“Loud pipes are mostly about ego. Either for the sound or the supposed “performance” increase. The “Loud Pipes Saves Lives” quote is just used to validate it. A hi-vis helmet or jacket would help avoid many more accidents than any pipe but you don’t see many of those on the road.”
This is a situational problem solver. It’s one of those arguments like that of vitamins or vaccines. Does it work…. no one can tell, because the situation that it “did” rarely will ever evolve the same a second time with alternate solution as proof. Hi Vis gear certainly is a much more constant “can you see me now” type of precaution, however as most argue they do you very little good if your in a blind spot or the cager is more interested in text messages then seeing your neon yellow vest/helmet. Folks buy air horns to be heard in front of them to warn drivers ” Hey I am beside you and you are coming to close” the same is for behind you. If your watching your mirrors and see someone approaching way to quickly, you can goose the throttle that certainly gets their head back up from the phone, because they heard something loud.
Don’t be quick to judge matters that might not meet your experiences or situations that you may not find yourself in. Granted I am not defending the obnoxiously loud pipes that can still be heard 2 miles down the road. However having audible pipes have saved my butt at an intersection twice now. Once was a cell phone situation the other was rubber necking. Goose the throttle, while leaving your escape options open and then knowing your “danger zone” for reaction time in case it doesn’t work, will do you well rather then thinking…”Hey I glow in the dark…surely they see me”. Take every chance you have to be noticed…both seen, and if that doesn’t work…..heard!