We cannot underestimate the importance of train horns in the railroad industry. People and other components of traffic are alerted by the sound of the horn announcing a train's approach. It is difficult to bring a large, powerful train to a complete stop, so engineers must have an effective way to alert others when they spot something on the tracks. The unwieldy size and high speed of a train prevent quick stops, resulting in a high potential for danger. For these reasons the use of the train horn is mandatory.
Like all pieces and types of safety equipment, the train horn must undergo frequent testing to ensure proper function. The engineer or his designated staff verifies that the horn is working each time that a particular train is used for a trip.
The measure of safety that requires use of a train horn actually equates to a legal standard because others must be warned of the train's approach. Short bursts or patterns of sound are designated for different reasons, such as when a train approaches a bridge. People do recognize there is a greater risk of danger when they approach a bridge, but even so this safety law is a mandated warning system. Anyone who hears the loud horn blast is immediately alerted to the approach of a train so that they can stop their vehicles at a safe distance. Many people fail to comply with safety precautions, and the results are severe human injuries and even fatalities.
Yet another purpose of the train horn is a way to communicate with personnel on duty at the train station. At times when radio or other communications may not be working, the engineer can activate the train horn so that station personnel know the train is nearing the station. At many stations which lack up-to-date communications systems, this is especially important.
There is no denying that train horns provide an important safety and communication function; however, many railroading buffs actively seek out and collect these horns. The sound of the horn has inspired many writers and artists to feature it in their work. The romance of the train horn captivates many.
The train horn with its dual purpose as both safety device and historical artifact serves us invaluably. These horns are vital to safety in residential areas proximal to train tracks. Business zones carry a lesser danger because trains are not so unexpected. But the potential for danger still exists if the train horn does not provide that crucial sound of alert. - 16069
Like all pieces and types of safety equipment, the train horn must undergo frequent testing to ensure proper function. The engineer or his designated staff verifies that the horn is working each time that a particular train is used for a trip.
The measure of safety that requires use of a train horn actually equates to a legal standard because others must be warned of the train's approach. Short bursts or patterns of sound are designated for different reasons, such as when a train approaches a bridge. People do recognize there is a greater risk of danger when they approach a bridge, but even so this safety law is a mandated warning system. Anyone who hears the loud horn blast is immediately alerted to the approach of a train so that they can stop their vehicles at a safe distance. Many people fail to comply with safety precautions, and the results are severe human injuries and even fatalities.
Yet another purpose of the train horn is a way to communicate with personnel on duty at the train station. At times when radio or other communications may not be working, the engineer can activate the train horn so that station personnel know the train is nearing the station. At many stations which lack up-to-date communications systems, this is especially important.
There is no denying that train horns provide an important safety and communication function; however, many railroading buffs actively seek out and collect these horns. The sound of the horn has inspired many writers and artists to feature it in their work. The romance of the train horn captivates many.
The train horn with its dual purpose as both safety device and historical artifact serves us invaluably. These horns are vital to safety in residential areas proximal to train tracks. Business zones carry a lesser danger because trains are not so unexpected. But the potential for danger still exists if the train horn does not provide that crucial sound of alert. - 16069
About the Author:
Yves B. Geller wrote this article. He is mainly a car enthusiast but he shows his passion for cars through vehicle customization. He offers train horns to car, truck and boat owners but he is a firm believer that an air horn should be used responsibly.
