People who live near railroad crossings may find themselves a little less cross starting today. That's when trains horns must lower volume to no more than 110 decibels, measured from 100 feet. This is the first time the Federal Railroad Administration has established a maximum volume.

It should strike a better balance between alerting motorists they might be in danger and not driving the rest of the population off their mental tracks. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association still classifies 110dB as "extremely loud," about the same as standing next to a power saw. It's enough to raise blood pressure and breathing rate, which won't be news to anyone living near a railroad crossing.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe is ready to comply, said Steve Forsberg, general director of external relations for the Fort Worth-based company. Its train horns are preset within the prescribed volume. The regulation should be particularly of note for Fort Worth, which has the most railroad crossings per capita of any large Texas city. Rail-side residents may enjoy a little less racket and a little more relaxation.

-- Hilary Collins

Originally appeared in Fort Worth Star-Telegram