(1) The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances of flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle within fifty (50) feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of the railroad. While stopped, the driver shall listen and look in both directions along the track for:
(a) Any approaching train or any other vehicle operated upon the rails for the purpose of maintenance of railroads, including, but not limited to, all hi-rail vehicles and on-track maintenance machines; and
(b) Signals indicating the approach of a train or any other vehicle or machine operated upon the rails. The driver shall not proceed until he can do so safely.
(2) No stop need be made at any crossing where a police officer or a traffic control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(3) The driver of every school transportation vehicle used to transport pupils, upon approaching any railroad crossing, shall comply with the provisions of Section 37-41-55.