Proposed North Carolina Bill Sides with Drivers Who Run Over Protesters Standing in the Street (Yes, For Real)
Correction: Previously, we had inadvertently stated that the states of Florida, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and North Dakota had passed bills that would release drivers of liability should they run over protestors in the street. North Carolina’s bill came the closest to reality as it passed the House in a 67-48 vote “excusing drivers from liability if they injure a protester who is blocking traffic.” Their senate committee shut the bill down. None of the bills became law as the rest of these states failed to pass their version of the bill or said bill was held for review. This article has been updated to reflect these changes.
Last year, news outlets were buzzing as many people watched a Dodge Ram plowing through protestors in Durham, NC. These protestors just so happened to be out there voicing their opinion against the police. As the truck pushed through the wall of people, they protestors would continue to try and get it to stop by pounding on the hood. However, the driver of the 2500 pickup truck would just keep on rolling right on through the people.
Obviously, this situation caused a big back-and-forth with people ready to go to bat to support the driver or the protestors. It seems as if the response has been quite polarizing.
Since then, we have actually seen bills presented to take a driver’s rights in this situation one step further. As it turns out, according to CNN, bills have been brought to the table in the states of Florida, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and North Dakota that might release drivers of liability should they end up in an encounter with protestors. While the bill in North Carolina passed the House, it was shut down in the Senate. The rest of the states have shut their bills down. North Carolina’s bill would’ve “[excused] drivers from liability if they injure a protester who is blocking traffic,” says CNN.
We would recommend double-checking in your own state if this is something that you’re particularly concerned about. Furthermore, we’re not saying that we would go out there running over people.
When following along below, we see the protestors’ reactions to the idea that the truck driver isn’t going to have charges levied against him by the police. When questioned about why the group didn’t have the proper permits, D’Atra Jackson said that the group “Does not work with the police.”
I think that it’s safe to say that this isn’t the last that we’re going to see of situations like this. In fact, it’s so prevalent that it seems like something that’s coming into strong consideration for lawmakers.
