N.M. Admin. Code § 18.19.8.92

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 24, December 23, 2024

Section 18.19.8.92 - DUTIES OF ESCORT DRIVER DURING THE MOVE

A. Escort vehicle drivers are responsible for controlling the movement of the escorted oversize vehicle in a manner that maximizes the safety of the motoring public and provides for a safe flow of traffic in the immediate area of the move.

B. Escort vehicle drivers and the oversize vehicle driver shall act as a team to ensure that safety of the motoring public is sustained. The escort vehicle shall operate as a warning vehicle to other motorists of the oversize vehicle.

C. An escort vehicle driver shall comply with all escort requirements, restrictions and instructions noted on the special permit issued to the escorted oversize vehicle and shall assist the driver of the oversize vehicle to comply with all applicable traffic laws and with all conditions and restrictions noted on the special permit.

D. No movement shall be made during inclement weather Movement shall be made only on the route designated in the special permit. The escort vehicle and the escorted oversize vehicle shall obey all traffic laws, signs and signals and shall comply with the speed limit indicated on the special permit.

E. Responsibilities of a front escort vehicle driver include:

(1) warning oncoming traffic of the presence of an oversize vehicle or load;

(2) maintaining communication with the driver of the oversize vehicle or load by using two-way radio to warn of hazards, obstructions, pedestrians or other potential problems that may affect the safe movement of the oversize vehicle or load or the motoring public;

(3) ensuring that the oversize vehicle or load is following the route prescribed on the special permit;

(4) assisting the driver of the oversize vehicle or load in locating safe places to allow the oversize vehicle or load and escort vehicles to clear the roadway so traffic following the oversize vehicle or load can safely pass; and

(5) warning motorists to stop at narrow structures and other roadway restrictions to permit safe passage of the oversize vehicle or load through the obstruction.

F. Responsibilities of a rear escort vehicle driver include:

(1) warning traffic approaching from the rear of the presence of an oversize vehicle or load ahead;

(2) maintaining communication with the driver of the oversize vehicle or load by using two-way radio to notify the oversize vehicle driver of fat tires, objects coming loose from the vehicle or load or other occurrences of which the driver may not be aware;

(3) notifying the front escort driver, when applicable, and the oversize vehicle or load driver of traffic buildup and other delays to the normal flow of traffic;

(4) notifying the oversize vehicle or load driver of motorists attempting to pass the vehicle or load; and

(5) warning motorists to stop at narrow structures and other roadway restrictions to permit safe passage of the oversize vehicle or load through the obstruction.

G. A single escort shall travel to the rear of the oversize vehicle on multi-lane highways and in the front of the oversize vehicle on two-lane highways. The oversize vehicle shall travel as near the right side of the roadway as is safely possible to ensure that traffic can pass safely. The escort and oversize vehicle shall not infringe upon the opposite-bound lane unless necessary to avoid obstacles in the path of the movement.

H. Front and rear escort drivers shall maintain a distance between their vehicles and the oversize vehicle or load consistent with the safe operation of the movement. Depending on highway and traffic conditions, a distance of three hundred to one thousand feet is usually appropriate. In urban areas and at narrow bridges, shorter distances are usually desirable. In rural areas or on narrow, winding or hilly roads, a front escort vehicle should travel well ahead of the oversize vehicle or load to warn oncoming traffic of the oversize vehicle and a rear escort vehicle should travel well behind the oversize vehicle or load to warn motorists following the load well in advance of any roadway restrictions.

I. An escort vehicle driver shall use the vehicle's emergency flashers when stopped or slowing down at a traffic hazard or when traveling at a speed of less than thirty miles per hour The emergency flashers shall not be used when driving at a speed of thirty miles per hour or more.

J. An oversize vehicle shall not park on the traveled portion of a highway unless absolutely necessary or in case of an extraordinary emergency. Any time an oversize vehicle is parked on a traveled portion of a highway, it shall be adequately protected by fares, flags, flagmen or other appropriate emergency warning devices.

N.M. Admin. Code § 18.19.8.92

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVII, Issue 03, February 12, 2016, eff. 2/12/2016