Proposed Bill Would Protect Drivers Who Hit Roadway Protesters

Republican lawmakers in North Dakota have proposed legislation that would shield drivers from legal responsibility if they hit protesters standing in the roadway.

The bill was submitted by Rep. Keith Kempenich in response to the Dakota Pipeline protests earlier this year, many of which took place on the road.

The proposed legislation reads:

“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. 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.”

Kempenich says that the bill is designed to make pedestrians liable for their actions because “(Roads) are not there for the protesters. They’re intentionally putting themselves in danger.”

No committee hearing has yet been set for the bill.

Sources:
NBC 26
The Bismarck Tribune
WPTV