Liability for Dangerous Things Left on the Road

In Tennessee, “No person shall throw or deposit on any highway any bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle upon the highway.” TCA 55-8-170(a). In addition, “Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.” TCA 55-8-170(b). The law is clear: you are not allowed to leave things on the road that could cause harm, and if you do, you are required to immediately remove the material. A violation of TCA 55-8-170 is a criminal offense. TCA 55-8-170(d).