Have you ever wondered why do trains honk so loud at night time? Are they doing it on purpose because they want to get on your nerves?
Many people are at their wit’s end because trains keep honking real loud when trying to sleep. Are you one of those people who want to uncover this mystery finally?
Sound waves are fascinating, and they travel faster at night because it is quiet everywhere. Trains don’t necessarily honk much at night time, as much as you notice it due to the quiet surroundings!
This article will discuss why do trains honk so late at night.
Why Do Trains Honk So Late at Night?
Trains don’t necessarily honk at night time. The nighttime surroundings make you notice it even more because there is no other sound at that time.
Most of the time, trains have a minimum volume requirement, and they need to follow that strictly. You might hear a similar volume and sound at a particular time of the night more frequently, due to this reason.
Reasons For Hearing Train Honks at Night
There are two reasons why you might be noticing trains honking in your area at night more frequently.
Take a look at the reasons below to get a better understanding.
1. Ambient Noise
The first reason is that there is less ambient noise around you, and that is why you are hearing the train honking at night time in your area. There is a dead silence at night time and almost no cars passing by.
It is the perfect opportunity for the train honk sound to travel thoroughly and disturb you at night! Trains do the same in the daytime, but you are less likely to notice due to sound and noise in your environment.
2. Atmospheric Effects & Temperature Inversion
The second primary reason you notice trains honking at night is the atmospheric effect. Sound waves travel efficiently at night time because of temperature inversion.
The oxygen molecules are warm above the ground level. Eventually, the ground becomes cool enough, and it causes a drop in temperature for the oxygen molecules as well. After this process, the sound waves bend back towards the ground level.
This is how more of the sound waves can reach your house, and you are more likely to be disturbed by them at night! The science behind the sound waves is pretty fascinating, right?
The Train Horn Rule
According to the train horn rule 49 CFR Part 222, trains are allowed to Honk for at least 15 seconds. However, they are not allowed to honk for more than 20 seconds under this law. The maximum allowed volume for a train horn is 110 decibels.
On the other hand, the minimum sound level is 96 decibels. It is the same during the day as well as nighttime.
Watch this video to find out the reasons behind trains honking in the first place:
Conclusion
So, now you know trains don’t honk a lot at night time. The temperature inversion and the lack of ambient sound makes you notice it even more!
