Las Cruces Legal Blog

The Land of Enchantment is an attractive state for bikers. If you like long roads and beautiful vistas, you and your hog have probably found your way through the Southwest before.

Motorcycle laws vary dramatically by state, so whether you live in New Mexico or are just passing through, it's important to understand the expectations that law enforcement has of motorcyclists. In this article, we outline a few core requirements of bikers in New Mexico:

When your mother started having trouble remembering her address and her late husband's name, you realized she couldn't live on her own anymore. It was time to find her the support she needed. So you researched all of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in your area, and you moved her into an apartment with a comprehensive dementia treatment program.

Shortly after her move, however, you noticed a sharp decline in her cognition. Previously, your mom had been forgetful, but she was always her same, vibrant self. But when you visit her now, she's often barely responsive-even catatonic. Imagine discovering that this behavior is not a natural progression of her disease-but rather the result of highly sedative drugs.

Dust storms are a dangerous hazard for New Mexico drivers, and it has led the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to make specific efforts to reduce interstate deaths. The NMDOT said they have shut down the interstate 15 times since January due to dust or high windows, but no lives have been lost.

Among the steps taken this year by the NMDOT were:

• Planting more vegetation
• Widening the stretch of interstate to increase soon for pulling over
• Installing large lighted signs to advise drivers what to do during a storm
• Acquired more dust detectors to alert state officials of an oncoming storm

If you are attending a special event in New Mexico, there is a chance a limousine is involved. These luxury vehicles hold larger groups of people and are popular for nights out and celebrations of all kinds. Unfortunately, not all limos meet, or are even required to meet, safety requirements like other vehicles are and this puts passengers at greater risk of injury or death in the case of an accident, fire or other emergency. 

According to NPR, a recent limousine accident resulted in the death of the driver, all 17 passengers and two pedestrians. Not only is this transportation crash the deadliest since 2009, it brings up inquiries about who is at fault. The intersection where the crash occurred is known for being dangerous, but there are also questions about the safety of the limo itself.