Posted on 01/16/2017 2:02:58 PM PST by Drango
Protesters may want to think twice about blocking roads in North Dakota.
Republican lawmakers in the state introduced a bill last week in the legislature that would not hold motorists liable for negligently running over someone obstructing a roadway. The bill was introduced in response to a year of protests over a proposed pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
"A driver of a motor vehicle who negligently causes injury or death to an individual obstructing vehicular traffic on a public road, street, or highway may not be held liable for any damages," the bill reads. "A driver of a motor vehicle who unintentionally causes injury or death to an individual obstructing vehicular traffic on a public road, street, or highway is not guilty of an offense."
Lawmakers told the Bismarck Tribune that the bill is needed after protesters blocked traffic during oil pipeline protests.
"Its shifting the burden of proof from the motor vehicle driver to the pedestrian, Rep. Keith Kempenich told the paper. (Roads) are not there for the protesters. Theyre intentionally putting themselves in danger."
The bill will be heard by the North Dakota's House Transportation Committee on Friday.
Add to that law that if someone dies because you deliberately blocked a roadway for a protest or illegal action (ie not because you were involved in an accident) you automatically get a manslaughter charge, if not more.
“, a distinction like that would make the law unconstitutional. Just dont block the roadways, no matter how important you think your cause is.”
That makes sense.
It’s morally wrong to block roads and delay ambulances carrying persons in need of critical medical care, too. That’s exactly what these idiots are doing. If this is what it takes to get asshats to stop blocking roads, then so be it.
The bill is titled: Death Race 2000
It already is a Federal crime to block an interstate.
This is awesome! Thanks for posting it.
The word “unintentionally” should be deleted.
Agreed, manslaughter and commensurate jail time.
I work liability injury claims - if only.
Thinking ahead. Very Nice.
I see follow up "How To" articles in your future for Triple A :)
Like a late 1970s Land Rover Defender (LWB).
God forbid anyone should intentionally swerve to injure a "protester" but I think this defiantly falls under play stupid games win stupid prizes category.
Those who block roads have murdered people—such as those in ambulances. Laws which will assist in stamping out the practice of blocking roads are to be applauded.
Hopefully Trump will see to it that it gets enforced because I have not heard about anyone going to jail for it. Should be a minimum 6 months in the slammer.
Well if the ultimate goal is to get out of the mob death danger area, you gotta know that. If you have an older vehicle with no airbags, not an issue. But today if you’re going over 20mph your front bags could deploy, and may render your vehicle disabled. And then you better have a shotgun and a pistol and 5-6 magazines.
“I kill a Communist jus for fun, but for a Green Card, I’m gonna carve him up real nice.” - Tony Montana
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