FRA Finalizes Rule Allowing Single Horn Blast at Grade Crossings
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Table of Contents
The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule that changes the standard for when train engineers must sound their horns. Under previous regulations, if a train stopped near a public highway-rail grade crossing, the engineer was required to sound a specific pattern: two long blasts, one short blast, and one long blast.
Why it matters: This is a practical adjustment to safety protocols aimed at reducing noise and streamlining operations. By allowing a single blast instead of a complex sequence, the rule simplifies the engineer’s task during a stop near a crossing. While it does not eliminate the requirement to sound the horn, it modifies the specific pattern used in this narrow scenario.
Who it affects
- Locomotive engineers operating near public highway-rail grade crossings
This information is based on the Federal Register entry from the Federal Railroad Administration; readers should consult the official document for specific distance requirements and implementation details.
Agency: Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document