One thing that Long Island is famous for is the sound of the Long Island Rail Road streaking across the Island like blood running through veins. Composed of an intricate network of lines that could transport commuters anywhere on the Island, as well as Penn Station and Jamaica, many Islanders would be stranded without this important service.

However, if you are a resident of the Island who lives close to one of the tracks and does not need to rely on the LIRR, you are all too familiar with the sound of the trains approaching their respective stations – which is noted by the blowing of the train’s horns.

According to both the LIRR and the Federal Railroad Administration, these horns are sounded to alert both drivers and pedestrians that a train is arriving or departing a particular station, and to stay clear of the crossing. Both agencies also state that the sounding of the horns should occur in four blasts – two long, one short and one long. In addition, current Federal mandates proclaim that the volume of the horns should be between 96 and 110 decibels. Combining the volume level of the horns and the required sequence of blasts – both the LIRR and FRA feel that this measure of safety is adequate to warn awaiting passengers and motorists – and fair enough to nearby residents to be uninhibiting to their quality-of-life.

That would be the case, if these guidelines were adhered to.

In Cedarhurst, for example, there are five crossings within a half-mile of each other, with residential buildings less than a few hundred feet away from the Cedarhurst train station, located on the corner of Cedarhurst and Chestnut Avenues. Many residents there have been complaining that the horns are louder than 110 decibels, the maximum of the required mandate – and that conductors are not keeping with the sequence of train horn blasts – creating a one-two punch which decreases the quality-of-life in the surrounding area.

I have visited the area to investigate this matter, as well as attended meetings in Cedarhurst’s Village Hall with members of the LIRR and FRA. Being in the area, I have witnessed firsthand what the residents have complained about – and indeed, their complaints are valid.

I am a very strong supporter of safety, and would never condone the removal of such an important necessity. I do, however, hope that the LIRR and FRA work together to ensure that their conductors adhere to the required sequence of blasts – and that the volume of the train horns remain within the required volume levels. People who live near train tracks all across Nassau County should be allowed to sleep through the night without the use of earplugs or sleep aids – or the nightmare of overly long and loud train horns keeping them awake.