2006 New Mexico Statutes - 66-7-506 — Bureau; functions; powers; duties.

66-7-506. Bureau; functions; powers; duties.

The bureau shall have the following powers and duties:   

A.     organize, plan and conduct a statewide program of activities designed to prevent accidents and to reduce the incidence of DWI in New Mexico;   

B.     coordinate activities and programs of the departments, divisions and agencies of this state now engaged in promoting traffic safety;   

C.     provide accident prevention information and publicity to all appropriate media of information and develop other means of public information;   

D.     cooperate with all public and private agencies and organizations interested in the promotion of traffic safety and accident prevention;   

E.     serve as a clearinghouse for all traffic safety materials and information used throughout this state;   

F.     cooperate in promoting research, special studies and analysis of problems concerning the safety and welfare of the citizens of New Mexico;   

G.     cooperate fully with national safety organizations in bringing about greater effectiveness in nationwide accident prevention activities and programs;   

H.     make studies and suitable recommendations, through the director and the secretary of highway and transportation, to the legislature concerning safety regulations and laws;   

I.     prepare and submit each year a written report to the governor concerning the activities of the bureau and activities concerning assistance to local organizations and officials;   

J.     institute and administer a statewide motorcycle training program funded as provided for in Section 66-10-10 NMSA 1978;   

K.     institute and administer an accident prevention course for elderly drivers as provided for in Section 59A-32-14 NMSA 1978;   

L.     cooperate with the state department of public education to develop a regulatory framework for instructional and administrative processes, including licensure requirements for instructors, and a curriculum for instruction in defensive driving with a DWI education and prevention component to be offered statewide in secondary schools as an elective;   

M.     institute and administer a DWI prevention and education program for elementary and secondary school students, funded as provided for in Section 66-5-35 NMSA 1978; and   

N.     include at least two hours of DWI prevention and education training in all driver education courses approved by the bureau.