Southworth v. Stamping Ground Turnpike Co. ( 1891 )

JUDGE PRYOR

delivered the opinion op the court.

The appellant was injured while driving on the turnpike of the appellee, his horse becoming frightened, and going over an embankment that bordered on the road, carrying with him both buggy and driver, and now claims damages because, he. says, the accident would not have happened but for the unsafe condition of the road for travel at the place where it occurred.

It appears from tlie testimony that the turnpike at this point is constructed on the side of a hill, with a steep descent below the road, without fence or railing to guard against accidents; that the appellant was driving in a careful manner, and his horse becoming suddenly frightened jumped to one side, and took driver and buggy over the embankment with it. The road or turnpike was not so wide at this point as in other places by reason of the character of the ground over which it ran. The appellant, as well as all others, had the right to use the road on the payment of toll, and paying for this privilege it. was the duty of the company to use such reasonable care and diligence as would enable travelers to pass over it with safety.

There being no conflict in the testimony as to the injury, and the manner in which it happened, the court told the jury, “that if the plaintiff knew and saw at the time and place of the accident the condition of the road, and negligently and carelessly drove his horse thereon so that but for his carelessness the accident would not have happened, they must find for the defendant.” This instruction should not have been given. It is evident that the appellant saw the condition of the road, and may have known as much about it as the directors, still he had the right to travel over it, and if the declivity below was of such a character as required railing or protection to prevent such accidents as the one complained of, the company is liable. This condition of the road may have existed since it was constructed, yet if the ordinary shying of the horse would likely produce such danger to the traveler by reason of the precipice, it was the duty of the company to use suck precaution as to prevent suck accidents; and for the reason that the company has invited the public to travel upon it for pay, reasonable care must be exercised in making the road safe for travel. Was this declivity of such a character as would suggest to one of ordinary prudence and care the necessity of placing railing or other protection along the road at this point to prevent such accident % If so, this appellee is responsible.

The judgment below is reversed, and cause remanded with directions to grant a new trial, and for proceedings consistent with this opinion,