Ever enjoying some peaceful time at home when a train horn comes blaring through the neighborhood? Noise from train horns has long been a complaint of some residents who live near railroad grade crossings. Well, new legislation could help ease the burden on such residents.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4) has introduced HR 4116, legislation that would end the practice of requiring trains to sound their horns at crossings during non-rush hour periods.

"I've received many complaints from constituents who live near railroad tracks," said McCarthy. "It is understandable for a train horn to sound during busy rush-hour periods, but it makes no sense to wake up an entire neighborhood late at night when no road traffic or pedestrians are present and when the crossing's gates are activated."

McCarthy's legislation would let train drivers decide when it is appropriate to sound a horn during off-peak hours. "People who live near train tracks are willing to tolerate some noise, but let's leave it up to the driver as to when an off-peak sounding of the horn is necessary," said McCarthy.

Sounding the train horns near grade crossings is a regulation imposed to create more safety. But some wonder whether it is compromising quality of life. "More often than not, off-peak mandatory horn sounding is disruptive and does little in the way of public safety," McCarthy added.

HR 4116 has been sent to the House Transportation Committee for further consideration.