Would you drive through protesters blocking road?

2016-07-14T08:03:07-04:00

With the current and planned protests throughout many cities this week (Friday), if protesters started forming in the roadway, what would you do?

LAW ENFORCEMENT: If someone were to drive through protesters blocking traffic, would the drive be charged with anything (assuming they are not blocking traffic in a walkway, of course)? What if they feared for their lives?

Response by PFC James Prince made Jul 14 at 2016 8:07 AM

2016-07-14T08:07:19-04:00

Slow enough to not harm but fast enough to not get my vehicle damaged

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jul 14 at 2016 8:12 AM

2016-07-14T08:12:25-04:00

SGM Matthew Quick - I don't know if it's legal since drivers should be aware of their speed and stopping distance. It's difficult to get drivers to leave a lane open for emergency vehicles as it is. Have you seen this video going around that depicts drivers not stopping for protesters:
I wouldn't condone it or what the drivers do in the attached clip. Discretion advised
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B77Sbg4yknw

Frogger The Next Generation

Good Ole Darwinism People protesting in the middle of the street throughout the US. Car v. People and the car won. The Song is Run by Awolnation

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jul 14 at 2016 8:22 AM

2016-07-14T08:22:19-04:00

This is a really dumb question. Think about it. Does someone blocking your path give you the right to try and kill them with your car? Absolutely not. They are not endangering your life, only your commute. Come on, people.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 14 at 2016 8:39 AM

2016-07-14T08:39:23-04:00

Only if it was a medical emergency. I'd take an alternate route.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 14 at 2016 8:57 AM

2016-07-14T08:57:02-04:00

If I were in my Jeep, you bet.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 14 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-07-14T09:50:29-04:00

I wouldn't and advise others not to. It's like football; three things can happen and two of them are bad. Consider the paperwork and you becoming part of the problem. If an medical emergency call 911. If the mob action results in monetary harm, ask law enforcement to collect the names, etc. for potential legal action. People breaking the law become responsible for the result of their actions. They don't get to pick and choose which ones. Otherwise make the best of it.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 14 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-07-14T10:48:07-04:00

On my way **TO** work? No. In fact, I'll probably spur them on and sign every one of their petitions. On my way **FROM** work? I'll be Mad Max...

Just joking...

Response by SFC Rick H made Jul 14 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-07-14T11:03:07-04:00

I would drive through granted I knew that no one would be injured or even killed. The last thing we want to do with these unruly/ thug like folks is give them a stage. If want the bully to go away, you either knock him or her in the nose and walk away or just walk away. Don't give them a stage is key here. My youngest son is an aspiring actor in Hollywood CA. He needs a stage to perform his act. So do they!

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 14 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-07-14T11:09:39-04:00

Not to change the subject, but remember that "well meaning" protester that got run over (and killed) by the Israeli bulldozer? Same thing. She was in the way and wouldn't move.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-07-14T11:42:59-04:00

I think I would get out of the car and yell he's got a gun (cause someone probably does in that line)... see if I could get things moving along.
I do feel they are fringing on my rights of my first amendment (life, liberty, and happiness) and are causing a civil disturbance issue.
Texas is a pretty friendly state and they typically go with common sense in their justice system. If someone impeded my way and got hurt because they wouldn't let me through, then it's a fringe upon my civil liberty. I'm sure it would be a day in court but one that one could walk away from.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jul 14 at 2016 11:50 AM

2016-07-14T11:50:51-04:00

My answer would be yes, I will drive very slowly through them if they fail to get out of the way then tough shit. As soon as someone starts to smash my window's its rough terrain driving mode. I was in fear from my life. I would hope that Law enforcement would have already started moving these idiots off the road ahead of time. There is protesting a perceived wrong the right way and then there is these spoiled little snowflakes. I may get in trouble and I may not. These ass hats need to learn a lesson and if they are stupid enough to lay down on a highway or join hands in front of lawful travel routes they need to learn a lesson. Hell I would be happy if an equal number of angry drivers with many rolls of duct tape put them in manageable piles in the break down lane for the police to collect later. Many folks are just making it on their paychecks by actually working and these clowns cause them to be late, get docked pay or even fired. They should go back to mommies and daddies basement and play that pokemon game.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-07-14T12:01:53-04:00

My mom used to tell us if you don't want to get by a car, don't play in the street.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 14 at 2016 12:03 PM

2016-07-14T12:03:31-04:00

I too would be extremely mad and might wish I could and get away with it. Blocking traffic achieves their end of raising awareness, but the wrong kind of awareness which works against them and reinforces all the negative impressions people have of the particular group.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 14 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-07-14T12:24:09-04:00

If it's a planned protest, I'm going to be aware of it and take a different route. If it's a bunch of yahoos that just walk on the freeway and form a blockade, well... I guess that just depends if I'm one of the lead cars or behind a line of break lights.

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Jul 14 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-07-14T12:30:06-04:00

Well, shucks, I had a few similar situations being stopped by "Critical Mass" in Chicago.

I was not a happy camper. However, we're all sworn to protect these citizens' right to protest: illegal or no. I'm sure they're all what a particularly droll colonel once referred to as "fine Americans" when he was speaking about various malefactors.

My solution to the stoppage was to sit on the hood of my car and cool my heels. By and by, a couple of younger guys I worked with rolled on by. We shot the (breeze) for a bit. Both of these boys had the reputation of being scrappers.

They asked it there was anything they could do for me. I looked at the pencil-neck who had placed himself and his $700 + mountain bike in harm's way (useless in Chicago, by the way) "Take care of my light work for me, will ya?" The pencil-neck proceeded to do a retrograde with his tail between his legs. I thanked the boys, and waited out the rest of the procession.

My OCS platoon commander offered sage advice: he said he'd rather not have his name mentioned in the same breath as William Calley.

I'd wait them out, and let the police sort it. I'm getting a bit long-in-the-tooth for fisticuffs anyway.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-07-14T12:37:57-04:00

I remember watching Reginald Denny being pulled out of his truck in 92 and beaten almost to death. He had to have extensive rehabilitation and has trouble walking. I will not stop, I might slowdown some but anyone deliberately blocking traffic is breaking the law, we have many laws about jaywalking, pedestrians on the highways, interstates ect. As I see it they are there for one purpose and one alone to insight violence and attack people. I have seen nothing peaceful from the BLM so me and my Vehicle if by some twist of fate end up in that situation will keep moving.

The best answer though is go a different route and avoid these worthless p.o.s.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Jul 14 at 2016 12:44 PM

2016-07-14T12:44:47-04:00

My Commute Matters; however, I do drive an "easily flappable" Smartcar, so I guess I'd have to find an alternate route. :'(

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 14 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-07-14T14:54:43-04:00

A vehicle can be seen as a weapons if it injures a person blocking the way, both are responsible for their actions, but one can cause physical harm. Lawyers will sue and win and prosecutors can press charges and win too. So why do it?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 3:09 PM

2016-07-14T15:09:10-04:00

Very tough choice. If I was late for court, I would very gently creep though and not care about damage to my car, but definitely not cause injury.

Regular commute I'd just call police and let them handle it.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jul 14 at 2016 3:10 PM

2016-07-14T15:10:15-04:00

SGM I don't think I would drive through protestors but I also agree it should not be allowed to happen. Things could very easly go from bad to very bad, not every one would be understanding as I am. And many times i have wondered if such action as blocking highways, looting and burning has a negative effect on a cause. Pulling people from cars and trucks and beting them senceless certainly would cause negative feeling. I have read that the protestors are gearing up for the conventions and plan on disrupting the events. How many are being paid for this, how many believe it's necessary and how many is going just to be there. It's scary to think of just what might happen.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Jul 14 at 2016 5:22 PM

2016-07-14T17:22:03-04:00

Just call 911 and have them arrested. Why put yourself in a position where you could be charged for hitting someone with your car? If they pose no danger to you and your car was already stopped, I'm fairly certain you could be charged for assault or they could sue you (note - not a legal opinion, I don't know the actual laws for this). If they become threatening, yeah I'd get out of there but if they are just holding arms like the ones pictured, just let the cops handle it.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 14 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-07-14T18:30:45-04:00

One way to get an invite from Obama.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-07-14T18:38:40-04:00

Of course I would run them over! How dare they bother my daily life protesting on the highway. Why should I care that there is a real issue of black Americans being killed by racially motivated police officers. The nerve of some people.

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made Jul 14 at 2016 7:01 PM

2016-07-14T19:01:53-04:00

Isn't that what the brush guards in the front of the vehicles really for?

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jul 14 at 2016 7:34 PM

2016-07-14T19:34:52-04:00

Heck yes. They are blocking part of the infrastructure. All our goods and services are transported by these roadways. In fact, if they are STUPID enough to do it, I'm going to soak some foam noodles in the hottest hot sauce I can find and attach it to the front of my car.

Response by SFC William Adamek made Jul 14 at 2016 8:07 PM

2016-07-14T20:07:59-04:00

With the way that anyone can sue over anything now a days. How about start snapping multiple pictures of all the protestors, get a list of everyone's name that you can whose vehicle is stopped by the protesters, and do a class action suit for mental anguish, lost wages, ect. This gets in the news a few times and I maybe these unlawful protest events will happen less often.

Response by CW3 Kevin Pfanstiel made Jul 14 at 2016 8:28 PM

2016-07-14T20:28:34-04:00

We are sworn to protect and defend our citizens. If these people are crippling our infrastructure and emergency vehicles cannot access a citizen in need of assistance because of a life threatening condition, then this becomes a violent protest, and making a hole to allow passage makes sense for those of us sworn to protect and defend.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-07-14T21:36:26-04:00

No, I'd turn around if I could and take another route... They have a right to protest, police are paid to deal with them... if I was stuck I'd just take a deep breath and break out the kindle.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-07-14T21:48:07-04:00

Freaking freaks.... lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-07-14T22:15:15-04:00

I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

Clearly those are just words for some. If you know it's planned then recon another route.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Jul 14 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-07-14T22:30:36-04:00

And this same question got some firefighters fired.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 15 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-07-15T00:28:32-04:00

I would have to say I would wait or if on side walk I would proceed.

Response by PVT Richard Dale made Jul 15 at 2016 2:05 AM

2016-07-15T02:05:47-04:00

http://www.allenbwest.com/matt-palumbo/black-lives-matter-block-highway-when-ambulance-tries-to-come-through-and-then

Black Lives Matter block highway when ambulance tries to come through, and THEN... - Allen B....

Clearly this life didn't matter.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 8:42 AM

2016-07-15T08:42:19-04:00

Damn straight! I realize that the idea idea may be foriegn to this group, but I have a job to go to, and a certain time at which to be there. #CONUSKILL

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Jul 15 at 2016 9:06 AM

2016-07-15T09:06:57-04:00

I certainly wouldn't try and drive through them, SGM. I live by the adage, outside of of course, operations, "don't borrow trouble." Unless I'm in a Stryker, an Abrams, or a Bradley, I don't want to try and move through a crowd of angry people.

I am deeply, deeply, troubled, however, that I am seeing so many celebrating the shutting down of traffic as a viable form of protest. The ACLU advises people against it, as it's illegal in every jurisdiction, with very good reasons.

On the other hand, perhaps because it's inconvenient or hazardous, maybe that's what makes it a viable avenue (lol, see what I did there) for civil disobedience. To my mind, however, there's no better way to erode sympathy for a cause than to take up actions that impose hardships on fellow citizens. Black lives matter? Sure, but I was just working a 12 hour shift, I want to get the hell home to momma!

I hope America gets through this stuff, and soon. I hate seeing our fellow citizens aggrieved. Whether or not I agree with anything they feel or do is moot, I just want Americans to be happy and able to engage in the pursuit of the happy. I'd feel so much better if they could identify objectives...the civil rights movement of the 1960s had objectives...voting, etc. I'm not sure we even understand "the problem" well enough even within the aligned circles to clearly state a single objective.

But I digress. Listening to my GPS say "rerouting" may just be a more frequent occurrence for a while.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 15 at 2016 9:08 AM

2016-07-15T09:08:17-04:00

If they were genuinely hostile, yes.
If they're just being self-important pains in the ass, no.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-07-15T09:35:34-04:00

Hi, SGM Quick.

I was in the military too long. Every time I see these apparent protests, I think ambush. There are very few choices in a ambush. You either push through it, or you turn their ambush into your kill zone.

Response by SSgt Justyn Stevens made Jul 15 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-07-15T09:50:18-04:00

If I or a family member were trying to get to the ER for a medical emergency then those protesters would become one with the asphalt! Sorry, my family is more important than your BLM rallies...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-07-15T11:10:01-04:00

Most definitely, especially if my wife and children were with me. If they surround my vehicle, which most have done from the videos I have seen, at that point it becomes a life threatening situation and the only thing to do is floor it. Last thing you want to happen is windows breaking with children in the back seat.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-07-16T00:47:32-04:00

I would probably just park there and wait with the rest of the traffic as the protesters frustrated hard-working people and squandered the possibility of conveying any constructive message...
But inside I would secretly fantasize about driving a steamroller.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 3:34 PM

2016-07-16T15:34:30-04:00

What a question to ask after what occurred in France.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 16 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-07-16T18:39:28-04:00

I've commented once. But will give you the extra point. Remember when a gruop of enviormentalist nimrods. But there legs across a railroad track. To protest a train . And was shocked that it could not stop on a dime. And then proceeded to sue the Goverment.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 12:30 AM

2016-07-18T00:30:56-04:00

OC spray does wonders.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 4 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-10-04T14:45:09-04:00

Yes I would, regrets... none, they are there for a reason and that reason is as either friendly or non friendly protesters they know the risk if they are violent, from what I have seen most are non friendly and some are even very violent, I will not be drug out of my car and beat by a bunch of rioting morons who feel the need to put others lives in harms way just to prove their point, I could see bottle necking traffic and making them have to go slow with NO contact what so ever but this human chain crap and pounding on vehicles,,, full throttle and a car wash on the way home, eat dinner and go to bed for some wonderful sleep.

Response by SFC Josh Weatherbie made Oct 26 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-10-26T13:44:49-04:00

Especially if the began pounding on my car, trying to get in to carjack me, hurt my family, or me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-12-08T13:44:00-05:00

Considering they have been known to assault Trump supporters and try to drag them from their car to beat them....I would have a choice....Drive away or shoot....either one gets their attention.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 16 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-03-16T16:25:58-04:00

Probably, but very slowly, giving ample time and warning that they needed to get out of the way -- and slow enough to stop in time if one was stupid enough to drop to the pavement in my path.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: I would also only attempt to do so in the absence of any law enforcement officers -- if cops are present, then they have legal control of traffic flow. And to the greatest extent possible, I would attempt to steer around the protesters and, if I had a passenger present, would be making a video record to make it clear that anybody stepping into my path did so deliberately.