Train air horns have become an ultra popular aftermarket accessory for cars and trucks alike. One of the reasons these devices are so popular is that they're the real thing. While they are scaled down in size, they are otherwise identical to the units installed on locomotives pulling loads from one end of the country to the other.
Train air horns were originally used to warn motorists and pedestrians alike about the approach of a train so they could clear off the tracks. Most often needed in cities, they solved a major problem of these huge iron horses ramming into vehicles trying to cross the tracks. Why you ask, can't the beasts just stop? The reason is actually quite simple. The load they pull is so heavy that it takes a tremendous amount of stopping space to slow down, much less come to a complete halt, with all that weight continuing to push the locomotive forward.
Flash forward to today and train air horns are still in use on the rails, but they've also found their way onto our city streets. Opponents of train air horns being added as an accessory to passenger vehicles say that using one in traffic could cause an accident, result in hearing loss, and violate noise ordinances in some municipalities.
The fact is that if used with common sense, there's absolutely nothing negative that could come of using a train air horn. For example, don't use it is heavy traffic unless you want to provoke some other driver into acting out of road rage. Check out your local ordinances and avoid blasting away at times and in areas that it's prohibited. Instead take a drive out to the country and go for it. Finally, if it hurts your ears wear ear protection and don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you if you damage your hearing. The last thing we need is for our politicians to make ear protection a mandatory thing like seat belts.
By Marc Galeazzi
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