Why do trains have small strobe lights on top of the cabin?

Question

Why do trains have small strobe lights on top of the cabin?

Answer 1

I agree that as compared to the headlights and ditch lights, they don't help people in front of the locomotive.  However, they're not bad for visibility to the side, like in a yard.

Yes, Hoghead... Mars lights were AWESOME!  I can't believe they no longer equip them on locomotives.

Answer 2

They are a warning device.  And not a very effective one, either.

The oscillating ditch lights are much better as a warning.

  One of things I miss about the old mars oscillating lights is, on SP units, there were two options available on the switch that controlled them, "run" and "inch".  In run, they would go 'round and 'round.  But, in inch, they could have their beam focused, or stopped, illuminating something to the side of the tracks, or, best of all, when going around curves in the dark of a moonless or stormy night, they would illuminate the road instead of shining straight on out into the night.