Immunity sought for NC motorists who hit protesters in roads


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A motorist who strikes a protester blocking a public road in North Carolina would be immune from civil liability — under a bill before lawmakers — if the driver exercised "due care."

Backers of the proposal advancing Wednesday in the North Carolina House said granting immunity would protect drivers traveling legally on a highway or street when a protester is injured.

Republican sponsor Rep. Justin Burr of Albemarle said during debate that drivers couldn't deliberately run over protesters and avoid responsibility under the proposal receiving preliminary approval. But he said it does protect individuals who are rightfully trying to drive on the road.

Lawmakers referred to demonstrators on Charlotte streets last September after a fatal shooting by a police officer. The protesters blocked both downtown Charlotte roads and interstate highways.

"We are trying the protect your average citizen who may be out there driving on the road and potentially have someone run out in front of their vehicle in the middle of night who is trying to cause major disruptions on our roads," Burr said. Preliminary approval followed on a 68-48 vote.

Opponents called the measure unconstitutional or unnecessary because negligence claims fail in North Carolina when jurors determine victims contributed to their injury.

"I don't know in what universe a person can run out in front of a car, and they're going to win a personal injury case in North Carolina," said Democratic Rep. Robert Reives of Sanford. Others worried aloud that the measure would bring needless attention to the state.

If the House grants it final approval, the measure still must pass the Senate.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Most recent U.S. stories

Related topics

U.S.
The Associated Press

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast