Committee backs bill to add vulnerable‑road‑user training to driver’s ed courses

Senate Bill 73, which would require driver education programs to include instruction on vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and other non‑vehicle road users), received broad stakeholder support and a committee do‑pass recommendation.

Sponsor presentation described the bill as a focused statutory requirement that driver’s ed include defined instruction on vulnerable road users and said New Mexico ranks high for pedestrian casualties. The sponsor said the bill is an attempt to address the state’s road safety record by teaching interactions with non‑motorists in driver training.

Multiple witnesses testified in support: Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque Public Schools) called it a common‑sense addition to driver education; Melanie Carmona of NEA New Mexico cited the Department of Health’s child fatality review and urged support. Survivors and family members provided emotional testimony: Melinda Montoya said her daughter was struck and killed on 07/22/2025 and urged the committee to move the bill forward; other cyclists and advocacy groups described local fatality statistics and urged the committee to pair education with engineering and enforcement.

Questions from senators covered statutory instruction hours, whether the bill adds hours or codifies existing curriculum, applicability to private instructors and geographic/rural differences. The sponsor said the bill sets three hours in statute for vulnerable road user instruction while DOT rulemaking can expand requirements. Members suggested this is one step of a broader strategy (education, engineering, enforcement).

The committee recorded a do‑pass recommendation after testimony and questioning. The sponsor said DOT and MBT would continue to align curriculum and testing standards; legislators signaled interest in further changes to existing driver education standards to address rural conditions and update behind‑the‑wheel requirements.

Ending: The committee voted to advance SB 73 and recommended further collaboration with DOT and other agencies on curriculum specifics.