Why can't train engineers behave and adhere to regulations regarding the sounding of their horn?

Question

They are required to give two long and two short horn soundings before a crossing. Why is it that these guys pretend to be like they are Casey Jones with a runaway train? They go totally crazy with their horns. To do that during the day is one thing, but to go overboard like they do at night and early morning is inexcusable. Isn't their headlight bright enough? Don't these guys know that the sound of their horns carry for miles? The sound goes through closed windows and wakes people up. I live over a mile away. That's how loud these horns are.

Answer 1

Just to throw my two cents in the proper whistle signal is two longs,a short and another long.Our rules don't differentiate between day and night.We have to blow the horn for 1/4 mile or 15 seconds before we occupy the crossing.Also we have to blow it til the lead engine is fully occupying the crossing.Trust me...we would rather not have to hear it either.You think it's loud a mile away?Try sitting right underneath it!Like Samurai said...after 36 years my hearing has taken a big hit.We do it because the law says we have to.If we hit someone at a crossing they download the telemetry.It better show we were blowing the proper whistle signal or we are subject to manslaughter charges.

Answer 2

1. It's the law.

2. I've seen skull, hair and grey matter spattered on the pilot of an engine.

3. Idiots don't listen.

4. Don't do it, kill an idiot, get sued.

5. Don't DO IT EXACTLY RIGHT AND SOMEONE DIES, THE ENGINEER IS OPEN TO A CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER.



On most of today's locomotives, the whistle valve has been replaced with a button. So, you cannot "feather" the whistle like we used to be able to do. Your choice is blowing, or not blowing. On or off, 140 psi air feeding the horns. There is no in-between.



!/4 mile or 20 seconds is the required MINIMUM of time and / or distances the whistle must be sounded before occupying a crossing at grade.



Make the idiots go away, and then your peace won't be disturbed. Try sitting right under one for 30 years... I do not know a single hoghead with seniority comparable to mine without some permanent hearing loss. Bottom line, WE don't like it either.



(By the way, Casey Jones was an egotistical, overblown, self absorbed jerk and it was his hot-dogging that got him and several others dead. He is no hero.)

Answer 3

The train operators have told you why it is done and why they do not try to do it any more than necessary. If there is a particular crossing in your area please advice the railway concerned and it can be investigated. There are things that can sometimes be done to help in these situations.With some operators you may be able to get an opportunity for a "Ride Along" to see what it is like from the otherside.if you have recently moved you notice the "Noise" after a short while you hear it less and less. Good Luck

Answer 4

being a railfan ofcourse i, and others here, will be understandably biased. i will try to tone it down a bit to be more realistic.



being part of the community and subject to its laws, i have to go along with the obvious safety involved with federally requiring horns/whistles to be blown for ANY safety or communicative reason. and do whats required of me to uphold it. thats OUR civic duty.



having spent a great deal of time infront of some of Marshall's finest amps i can tell you i kinda understand what the engineers above are saying about hearing loss. my opinion differs as i loved the music i played loudly just as i think i would love hearing a train horn for 30 years, despite the hearing problems. i have no regrets.



having set my tone, i think its fair to say this is one of those times when sacrifice must be made. irrespective of my hobby, there are many things we just have to kiss up to and obey. you think i like stopping at every freaking red light in this, the red light capitol of the world, known as my home town? HELL NO! but i do it. death and taxes are two other 'for sure' sacrifices we make.



i would ask you nicely, as a fellow citizen to try to find a way to cope. its certainly not beyond your capabilities im sure. i have heard engineers try to lessen their horn blowing just for this very reason. and more times than not was amazed that it is to the point in which i thought safety was compromised. in my opinion i feel that the local and state govts that have already banned horn use at crossings during certain times is a flagant misuse of power, a blantant disregard for safety in which they have sworn to uphold and protect! it is criminal to take away an act of safety for the sake of sleep.



sure, anyone other than a railfan does not have much use for a blaring train horn at 2:30am. even the deafened engineers. but i think they, and you, as well as i can all admit.... they have genuine purpose, and they have saved lives. is that not worth a little sacrifice? if this hasnt swayed you any than think of this one last thought.....



the life that horn saves may be either your own one day, or someone you love. you may be trying to sleep when you hear that horn, but its probably blowing to warn someones young, late working child coming home that danger is fast approaching. but they cant hear it because they are either too busy texting and driving, stereo is blaring, or all of that! sure, a locomotives headlights are very powerful and bright (try not to lQQk at them directly) but only if you see them!



so if we limit 'hornage' or delete it altogether, why not gaurdrails too because they are ugly? im not so pretty missing a lil beauty sleep is gonna hurt me. you?



finally, a point blank perspective for you: if that horn is blowing for you, ill gladly make that sacrifice for you. would you be willing to return that favor to me? or anyone else for whom the horn blows?



STOP LQQK LISTEN and LIVE!





(ps: dont forget, engineers dont like to hit animals either. alot of those furry things cross tracks at night. unfortunately the animal kingdom didnt get the two longs, one short, one long memo. so they only understand blow the horn till they get out of the way. sure beats wrecking the train and blowing up your town with a propane explosion lol )

Answer 5

Would you rather someone got killed at a crossing because they didn't hear a short burst? They are doing what they are required to do, for safety.