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Posted by Aurae Beidler Jul 7, 2008 |
As I drive to Florence, Oregon I have the choice of two routes. While driving on either route, I pass through a tunnel, one on Highway 101 near Sea Lion Caves and the other on Highway 126 before Mapleton. It seems every time I pass through a tunnel, traveling at highway speeds, cars and trucks joyfully honk while in the tunnel. This has made me wonder for the longest time, why do drivers honk while they drive through tunnels?
The most plausible explanation I can think of is that drivers have been doing this since the times of the first narrow, dark tunnels. Perhaps in the early 1900s, cars used their honk to signify their entrance into the tunnel, as a safety precaution. Nowadays, with brightly-lit tunnels and clearly designated lanes, it seems that this has become more of a tradition than a practical measure. With so many tunnels in the western United States, carved through mountainsides, it's amazing how often drivers gleefully honk while in tunnels. I guess at least it's not anger-filled road rage!
It's funny because I've heard that honking in tunnels is illegal, as any unnecessary use of a honk. I've never heard of anyone getting penalized for using their horn unnecessarily but I'm sure it could happen.