iN NUMBERS: British Columbians’ least favourite loud neighbourhood noises

Few things make you feel more curmudgeonly than someone disturbing you’re peace and quiet making a loud noise. Nonetheless, some noises are really annoying and warrant a good haranguing.

Polling company Research Co. asked people whether they felt like their neighbourhoods were getting noisier or quieter, and what noises bugged them the most while at home.

Here are the numbers:

• 25: Per cent of British Columbians polled said their street was definitely noisier than it was a year ago.
• 26: Per cent of British Columbians surveyed said their city or town was definitely noisier than it was a year ago.
• 36: Per cent of British Columbians polled said barking dogs were too noisey.
• 39: Per cent of British Columbians those asked said vehicle and construction noise, like revving engines and heavy machinery, bothered them over the last year. They tied for the two most common answers.
• 95: Decibels. That’s how loud average motorcycles get.
• 150: Decibels. That’s how loud a jet engine can get on takeoff.
• 70: Decibels. That’s what’s considered a safe decibel level.
• 109: Dollars. That’s the maximum fine for unnecessary noise with a vehicle, according to the BC Motor Vehicle Act.
• 34: Per cent of British Columbians polled said dogs barking was a bothersome noise.
• 25: Per cent of British Columbians surveyed said loud people outside their home were bothering them. Tell those youngsters to keep it down and get off your lawn.
• 18: Per cent of British Columbians polled said a loud gathering or party near their home bothered them. Tell those youngsters to turn the gosh darn music down.