Honking is not about show-off...!!
I would advise you to take a chance for loco ride. That might help putting all your doubts to rest.
1.There is a level crossing at every 2 to 3 km distance--HONK.
2. There are minor railway stations which sometimes don't have FOB--HONK.
3....
more... There are bridges, so to warn someone over there--HONK.
4. There are sharp curves,so to warn someone on the tracks ahead--HONK.
5. There is a tunnel--HONK.
6. Departure of the train--HONK.
7. Chain pulled-- HONK-HONK-HOONNNK
8. Besides all these, if some stray animal or people on the tracks ahead--HONK.
If there was no honking, several lives including those of animals would have been lost. Please re-consider your statement.