Operator warning system and method for improving locomotive operator vigilance

A method of improving locomotive operator vigilance for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device configured to produce a noise, the method comprising the steps of:

• determining grade crossing data including at least one of grade crossing location, grade crossing identity, grade crossing regulation and grade crossing condition;
• determining horn activation requirement data for the grade crossing;
• determining locomotive data including at least one of locomotive position on a track, locomotive position within a consist, locomotive speed, locomotive direction of travel and locomotive operation parameter;
• and
• providing at least one of an onboard audio, onboard visual and onboard tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon at least one of grade crossing data, locomotive data, horn activation requirement data and actuation condition of the horn activation actuator.