Which type of vehicles are required by law to stop at all railroad grade/highway crossings in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the law requires specific vehicles to stop at all railroad grade/highway crossings due to the heightened risk associated with train tracks and the potential consequences of a collision. The correct answer identifies church and school buses, common carriers, and vehicles carrying dangerous cargo as those required to come to a complete stop at these crossings.

The rationale behind this requirement is primarily based on safety. Vehicles like church and school buses often carry a large number of passengers, including children, and therefore their safety is paramount. Common carriers are vehicles designed to transport goods or passengers for a fee and may encounter various loads that could create dangerous situations in the event of a collision with a train. Additionally, vehicles carrying dangerous cargo, such as hazardous materials, pose significant risks to public safety if they were to collide with a train, making it critical for them to stop and ensure the tracks are clear before proceeding.

This law aims to prevent accidents at railroad crossings, which can lead to tragic outcomes. Other types of vehicles, while they may have their own regulations, do not carry the same legal requirement to stop at all railroad crossings in Tennessee.