Which vehicles are required to stop at all railroad crossings in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, certain types of vehicles are mandated to stop at all railroad crossings to ensure safety due to the potential dangers posed by trains. This requirement is particularly stringent for school buses, vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and commercial trucks.

School buses must stop because they often carry children, who may not be aware of the dangers associated with trains. Stopping allows for an assessment of the tracks to ensure no train is approaching before proceeding. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials are required to stop as a precaution because spills or accidents involving these materials could have severe repercussions if a collision with a train occurs. Additionally, commercial trucks often have the potential to cause greater damage due to their size and weight, making it crucial for them to stop and check for oncoming trains to prevent accidents.

The other vehicle types listed, such as passenger vehicles and motorcycles, are not universally required to stop, though it is always best practice to approach railroad crossings with caution. Emergency vehicles have their own protocols and may not stop if they are responding to an emergency situation. Hence, the focus on school buses, hazardous materials vehicles, and commercial trucks aligns with the heightened need for safety in these specific cases.