by Yves B. Geller

Extending one's expression of style to his vehicle has always been a part of popular culture or pop culture. Although fads may be short-lived, what's important is that ideas were expressed and shown in a unique or strangest way as possible. Car styling has been known to create fads in creating agreeable and unconventional methods of beefing up the appearance of vehicles. From window tinting to trim applications, vehicles have developed a sense of fashion depending on which trend is currently popularized. For instance, the inclusion of train horns in street vehicles inevitably roused positive and negative impressions. The fads created by train horns in pop culture appeal to the artistry, image and annoyance of various groups of people.

The train horn is conventionally used to signal the arrival of the train or its proximity to the station. In sports it is used as the cue to certain actions or proceedings. Today, the train horn has become a part of the customized vehicle. It is in a way an attempt on the part of the car owner to deviate from the conventionalities of the vehicle and add to it something new, like the train horn and be able to enjoy a louder, intimidating and more aggressive way of honking down the street.

Although some people may not understand why certain vehicle owners spend a lot of money in restyling and modifying their vehicles, some perceive the act as a matter of self-gratifying expressions. While having wing doors and lowered car frames and bumpers may seem sleek and original to some group, some would differ from their preferences. All of this is a matter of expressions of views towards the existing popular culture. The popularity of using train horns as truck or car horns exemplified the impact of the fad brought by train horns in popular culture.

Aside from vehicles, train horns are used in a number of expressions. For instance, it is used as a distraction inside a noisy classroom, causing a moment of silence. Train horns may even be used as retaliation to the persistence of telemarketers or other harassing callers. This is in hope that blasting the phone with a deafening honking sound will deter future calls. When it comes to music, train horns may be collaborated with other instruments, completing a unique blend of tune and genre of music such as those observed in reggae music or reggae hybrid genre. However, the most popular application of train horns in popular culture is as trucks horns.

There's a curious legal problem associated with the use of train horns in cars. Using a train horn is a mode of the right of self-expression and can this right be denied to any citizen. Yes, perhaps it can if it's harming or disturbing others. Imposing decibel level restrictions was tried out once but the police found it impossible to enforce. The owners install them precisely for their loudness! But the horns are sold with markings indicating loudness that's different from what is achieved, so clear proof of violation is impossible! Environmental sensitivity and consideration are needed but today's macho show-offs lack both.

About the Author:
Yves B. Geller wrote this story. He is primarily a car enthusiast but he shows his love for cars through vehicle customization. He offers train horns to car, truck and boat owners but he is a firm believer that an air horn should be used responsibly.

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