Why do trains whistle at crossings?
In Canada, trains are required under the Railway Safety Act of 1988 to whistle at all public crossings. The train must begin sounding its whistle a quarter mile from the crossing and repeat it until the train is on the crossing. Train crews will also sound the whistle if their view is restricted or they perceive a danger, such as someone walking on the track. These rules apply 24 hours a day and are intended to alert motorists and pedestrians of the approaching train. Whistles must be sounded even if the crossing has lights, bells and crossing arms. The only exception to the whistling regulations are crossings where federally approved whistle prohibitions have been put in place.
