Are freight train operators required to honk for a long interval or are they just being annoying?

They sound the horn before a crossing. This is a safety feature to warn motorists and pedestrians that the train is coming (should they have missed the flashing red lights). The rule exists in case the crossing doesn’t have the bars that drop down. Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide program to help reduce the number of deaths at railroad crossings. More information is here. Someone in the US is hit by a train about every 3 hours. The Federal Railroad Administration has more about operation of train horns here.

@Kayak8 I did not ask “why” they honk their horn but thanks for the sources and the mini lecture.

Wow, really not trying to give a lecture. I thought you wanted an answer to your question. I gave links that shared information specifically:

Sounding the Locomotive Horn: Under the Train Horn Rule, locomotive engineers must sound train horns for a minimum of 15 seconds, and a maximum of 20 seconds, in advance of all public grade crossings, except:

• If a train is traveling faster than 45mph, engineers will not sound the horn until it is within ¼ mile of the crossing, even if the advance warning is less than 15 seconds.

• If a train stops in close proximity to a crossing, the horn does not have to be sounded when the train begins to move again.

• There is a “good faith” exception for locations where engineers can’t precisely estimate their arrival at a crossing.

Wherever feasible, train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short and 1 long. The horn must continue to sound until the lead locomotive or train car occupies the grade crossing.

For the first time, a maximum volume level for the train horn has been established at 110 decibels. The minimum sound level remains 96 decibels. Railroads have until 2010 to fully comply with the maximum volume level requirement.

The FRA has an administrative rule, which allows certain communities to apply for “quiet zones” if the rule’s requirements are met. Once the rule’s requirements are met, the locomotive would not sound its horn when passing through the crossing in most instances. See 49 Code of Federal Regulations part 222 for those requirements.

Freight trains don’t sound their horn any differently than passenger trains do, the difference you are observing has to do with where the tracks are.

The Federal Law regarding train horns is here

Honking a train horn is one of the perks of the job as far as i’m concerned.
I’d be honking the bugger with gusto that’s for sure.

I lived a block from a rail road crossing. It was my estimation that they blew their horn longer and louder at exactly 4:15 a.m. each and every morning. Just to piss me off. I’m not sure it was true, but if I had gotten to that train engineer, I’d have beaten the snot out of him. Rant over.

No, they are not just being annoying; as Kayak8 says, it is a safety issue. Some people actually like the sound – I miss living within hearing range of a train crossing or two, though a block would be a little close.

Yes. They are required to honk for long intervals. End of question, since it isn’t discussion you want, but only an answer. Which you now have. Move on, people.

@Dutchess_III Seems like an unnecessary thing to say, given that this question is posted in the Social section, it includes an evaluative element (“are they being annoying”), Fluther is kind of about discussing things while providing answers, and every one of the above replies either directly answers the question or implies a clear answer.

Edit: I just read the question you posted referring back to this thread, and I understand the reasoning behind your above comment better now. I agree the OP here seems to have responded a bit…oddly to Kayak8.

@pieceofapuzzle We try to be friendly here, yo!

@wildpotato I was referring to the OP’s snarky and rude response to @Kayak8

pieceofapuzzle “I was wondering if there is a legal or industry standard reason for this.”
That certainly sounds to me like you are asking “why” they honk their horns.
Duh.
Kayak8 GA, too bad some people don’t appreciate it.

Are freight train operators required to honk for a long interval or are they just being annoying?

This is a WHY question if ever I’ve seen one.

Yep, @Kayak8 is correct. It’s a Federal law.

If there is a vast residential area near the tracks, this law can be fought. You can have a “no horn” zone. However, to do so your community would have to comply with the Railroad standards to adequatley warn drivers and pedestians that the trains don’t blow their horns.

I live not so many feet from an active train track, with a no horn zone. They do still blow the horns in case of emergency.

Here is the Federal information on Quiet Zones

@Kayak8 sorry.
I got defensive when you wrote, “This is a safety feature”, as if you were implying that I did not know the purpose of the horn was for safety reasons.
I felt I was being patronized.

Again, sorry.

@pieceofapuzzle No problem, I can see how you may have read it that way—certainly not my intention. I was more trying to direct you to the links I provided. As I don’t what WHAT you don’t know, I typically try to answer in a comprehensive way (it’s that dang teacher training). Welcome to Fluther by the way . . .