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.
Inspectors subject the train horn to regular standardized testing. In fact, this is done prior to every run of the train to ensure that this important safety system, as small as it seems, is functioning.
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.
Another function of the train horn is communication with the train station. In case of radio or other communication device failure, the use of the horn effectively alerts station staff of the train’s advent. This is especially important at smaller stations that lack updated alert systems.
Train horns are not only needed safety pieces, but important pieces of nostalgia as well. Many people in history have been inspired by the distant blow of a train horn. Everything from famous paintings to historical writings have been made with the inspiration of the dramatic train horn. Authors have written many pieces relating to the romanticism of train horns.
The train horn, then, proves its value to us both as a warning system and as a collectible historical item. In highly populated areas in or near cities, the use of the horn is vital to safety. There is not so much danger potential in commercial areas, because people at work during their daily routine come to expect the approach of trains. But without the warning sound of a train’s imminent approach, danger still exists.