Do trains REALLY have to honk?

Question

I just moved into this house and it has a train track right behind my fence. And while some trains will let out a little toot-toot, others wil go on and on WWAAA WWAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! I don't get it. It's not like they have to honk for the arms to drop at a crossing so why do they do this ? And why not do it before or after the residential area?

don't be rude and say I should have considered the train before buying the house......the person I bought it from didn't disclose this small detail and when I came to see the house there were no trains running at that time.... I also had no clue because I lived three states away.

Answer 1

Lots of good answers here. I am quite pleased to read the comments of so many who actually "GET IT"! Perhaps everyone's attempts at education is starting to pay dividends. I certainly hope so, for the ultimate result is a saved life.

The whistle signals for approach to and passing over grade crossings is Federal law, State Law and mandated by the General Code of Operating Rules. As was pointed out, we who blow the whistle are sitting right under it, in most cases, so believe me when I tell you we don't like it either. But, it is necessary.

There is a distance component 1/4 mile before, and a time component of 20 seconds before occupying the crossing. It is true that the engineer who may be involved in a fatality at a grade crossing is subject to indictment on a charge(s) of manslaughter
at worst, or criminal negligence at best, if it can be proven the headlight was not on, the ditch lights or other warning lights such as strobes or mars lights were not on, the whistle wasn't blown in accordance with the law or the bell wasn't ringing. It is obvious this is dead serious stuff.

As far as the strength of the whistle signal, its volume, in most instances this is within the engineer's discretion. So at three AM, with no traffic and good visibility, the hoghead can shorten the duration of each "toot", which in the case of a grade crossing is two long, one short and one long, - - 0 - if he wishes, unless using the automatic feature most newer locomotives employ. When we do so, it is in fact out of courtesy.

As far as living in close proximity to the tracks, just as I do, you will in time getused to the whistle and the shake, rattle and roll. The thing that drives me crazy is, there is a grade crossing right at the east end of my property, and from time to time the relay malfunctions and after a train passes, the gates stay down and the $*&^@#!!! bells keep ringing. THAT will drive a person nuts.

So, be patient with those performing a vital service to the country and its economy. I can say with absolute assurance that each and every crew member passing by 3 AM would rather be in their own beds instead of disturbing yours.

As a very important side note, if you are living that close to the tracks and have children residing there as well, continue to repeatedly admonish them to stay clear of the tracks. I would further suggest you have an escape plan and do drills, the same as you would do for a structural fire, with a designated place for family members to meet for accountability, for safety and forsurvival. Derailments do happen and it is best to be prepared for the worst.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Why not do it before or after the residential area? Because if the train didn't make any noise, how would you know what hit you?
What if the arms malfunction, or the train isn't visible from the crossing for some reason - trees, corners, hills, etc., you have to be able to hear it if you can't see it. Same reason dogs growl - so's you don't get too close, and nobody gets hurt.
Remember though - as loud as it may be at your place, the engineer is WAY closer to the noise, and they don't like it any more than you do. BUT, it's their j-o-b, and, in case of an accident, they can be found liable for not doing everything 'by the book'; Even if they did everything else right. So, it's for everyone's safety. Plus, you just moved in - after a bit you won't even hear it anymore.

Answer 3

Its Federal law trains must sound their horn at a road/rail intersection, I believe starting 1/4 mile away from the intersection -- it has nothing to do with residences.

I don't consider anyone informing you that you should've looked into the area before moving in rude -- I consider that common sense. Before I lived anywhere I checked out the whole town, and especially whats over the back fence. The excuse the trains weren't running then seems a bit odd, considering I'd be willing to be the tracks have been there and have been active since the 1800's.

Answer 4

They are - by law - supposed to do three long blasts of the horn prior to each crossing. What if the arms fail to go down? It is to serve as a warning & is meant to try to save lives - not to inconvenience you. In time, you'll grow accustomed to the noise; I grew up with train tracks in front of the house & mom always said we slept through the train whistles . . .

Answer 5

i used to live in a house that was right next to train tracks, and depending on the time of day, and the conductor, they would honk differently...and the occasional loud one at 2 in the morning every other thursday...lol

you'll either get used to it, or move...that's all there is to it...

Answer 6

They have to do it by law. Different patterns of short and long honks mean different things, so the trains you hear are "saying" different things to each other and to train employees in the area. Here's a good list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_horn

Answer 7

They have to do it in a residential area it is law. I bet you got your house cheap. Now you know why the previous folks moved out!!!!

Answer 8

Yes, it's a law to warn people when they are coming to an intersection. Your only options are to move or get used to it.

Answer 9

get a soundproof system in the walls of ur house.

Answer 10

it for your own safety. you might be close by the track one day, drooling over the guy across the street, and BAM!!!! you are squashed.