Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

Why do trains sound horns?

April 26, 2017horns sound trains

0

Posted

Why do trains sound horns?

1 Answer

0

Posted

Train horns are required by federal law to be blown at all public crossings, at all hours of the day for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians using those crossings. Crossings with gates and lights are not exempt from the regulation. Only crossings that have met Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) criteria for a Quiet Zone do not require the horn to be blown. The federal regulation governing horn use was changed in June 2005 and now requires trains to blow the horn 15 to 20 seconds for each and every public crossing. This new federal regulation overrides all of the previous state laws that also required the horn to be blown at all public crossings. BNSF has produced a DVD that helps explain the new horn rule to our train crews and the communities we serve. You can watch that DVD online by clicking on the attached link.