By Police1 Staff
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A new bill aims to protect drivers who inadvertently hit protesters who are blocking roadways.
WTVC reported that if protesters are inadvertently hit while blocking a roadway, they cannot sue in civil court for injury. The bill states that a driver would not be immune from civil liability if the injuries are intentional.
“We believe that citizens have the right to protest. There is a procedure for peaceful protests and the purpose of that process is to protect the safety of our citizens,” Sen. Bill Ketron said. “Protesters have no right to be in the middle of the road or our highways for their own safety and the safety of the traveling public.”
The bill was created after claims of a man driving into protesters last month were investigated by local police.
Rep. Matthew Hill said they are not “endorsing anyone running over a person with a car.” If someone intentionally injuries someone, lawmakers said they will still be charged with a crime.
“There is a clear difference, however, between peacefully protesting and lawless rioters in the middle of a public roadway who jeopardize the safety of our families,” Hill said. “This is a public safety bill that is meant to protect everyone’s right to peacefully protest and I look forward to seeing this commonsense legislation passed into law.”
North Dakota proposed a similar bill last month that protect drivers from legal consequences if they inadvertently hit, injure or kill pedestrians who are obstructing traffic. According to Reuters, the bill was voted down 40-51 by lawmakers Monday.