All grade crossings except those in quiet areas require the driver to blow grade crossing a set distance from them. The familiar long-long-short-long sound heard nearly everywhere of course. There is also 2 short before moving forwards, 3 short before moving backwards, and 1 short for stopped and brakes on. These are all federally standardized horn/whistle signals the railroads are required to use.
And cause 'Murica
Its the law. The have to. Safety at crossings.
Each time there's a road or pathway lying ahead, the train notifies of its approach in this way.
Safety caution.
Rail safety requires they notify people to stay clear and head caution when the train is in motion. There are no cross bars in that area to protect people from crossing the tracks so a blowing horn is a necessity.
There are several road crossings, animals are also near or on tracks,simply for safety
All of the above
It's unlikely that the trains are running without passengers, save for maintenance and repair. The lines, cars and engines are not cheap too use.
To clear the rail
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