What does the absence of a train horn at a railroad crossing signify?

When a train horn is absent at a railroad crossing, it typically indicates that a quiet zone has been established. Quiet zones are designated areas along railroads where train horn sounding is minimized or eliminated to reduce noise in nearby communities. The establishment of a quiet zone necessitates certain safety measures, such as improved signal systems and/or other safety enhancements, to ensure that the absence of the horn does not compromise the safety of pedestrians and vehicles at the crossing.

Other possibilities, like trains not being allowed to stop or operating at low speed, do not directly relate to the absence of the horn. Additionally, stating that a crossing is no longer in use does not reflect the true nature of a quiet zone, as such crossings may still be operational but simply have different noise regulations in place.