It proved to be not a poor decision at all, at least from a commercial and chart aspect.
The 'Thriller 25' anniversary release served its purpose at that time because it sold a lot but also because Michael Jackson was again on the top of the charts while he reached the top ten in many national charts.
Especially, considering two important things: he just came from a turbulent period for him, and also that he had been inactive in the music industry for nearly five years.
Also, due to the inclusion of some contemporary and successful guest artists on that 'Thriller 25' anniversary release, many young listeners became aware of the original 'Thriller' album.
@dethorro, the police sirens and heartbeats as effects in the intro were not really necessary.
This also seems to explain why these heartbeats were removed from later re-releases of the album.
The strength of 'Smooth Criminal' comes down to its song-writing (melody, hook, etc) rather than to the way it was produced.
Also, using car/motorbike sounds in songs had already been in existence by other acts.
The 'Love Is The Drug' song (released in 1975, by English rock band Roxy Music) is just one of the many examples.