Opinion ID: 1774416
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: duty owed by dotd

Text: In Sinitiere supra, this court held that DOTD is not the guarantor of the safety of travelers, but owes a duty to keep highways and shoulders reasonably safe for non-negligent motorists. See also, Briggs v. Hartford Ins. Co., 532 So.2d 1154 (La.1988); State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Slaydon, 376 So.2d 97 (La.1979); U.S.F. & G. Co. v. State Dept. of Highways, 339 So.2d 780 (La.1976). Liability based upon negligence is imputed to the state when it can be proven that the State Department of Transportation and Development is actually or constructively aware of a hazardous condition and fails to take corrective action within a reasonable time. In order to establish a breach of DOTD's duty to maintain safety for the motoring public, a plaintiff must show that a hazardous condition existed, that DOTD had actual knowledge of said condition, and DOTD failed to take corrective action within a reasonable time. Briggs, supra . In view of the record in its entirety, the evidence shows that Mr. Watley patrolled this highway many times over the years in search for dead trees or those with branches hanging over the road that would threaten the safety of motorists. He stated that he patrolled the highways in Union Parish at least once every two weeks over a six year period in his vehicle to look over the trees along the sides of the road. He also stated that when looking for dead trees, if he saw one, he would have it removed or contact the landowner and have them remove it. In regards to the tree in question, Mr. Watley stated that he did not see it because it was obscured by two other trees in close proximity. Dr. Jewel testified that the height of at least one of these trees was around 40 feet tall. Also, the camp ranger, Mr. Russell, stated that he never noticed this tree because it was possible that the two smaller trees obscured it. On direct examination, Barry Preaus stated that had he driven by this tree during the summer and spring of 1991, he would have been able to tell that it was dead. Nonetheless, on cross-examination he admitted that the tree could have been obscured. Mr. Preaus further stated that after it was dead, the canopy of the smaller trees would have expanded and could have obscured the top of the sweet gum, admitting that it was probable that these smaller trees obscured some portions of it. Based upon the testimony of individuals who viewed the scene as it appeared prior to the accident, it is clear that there was some obscurement. The appellate court stated that the findings of the trial court on the issue of obscurement was troublesome, however, it was clearly erroneous for the court of appeal to disturb these findings of fact by the trial court and to substitute its own judgment for that of the trial court. The appellate court further determined that the state's actions fell below the standard of care owed to the motoring public because DOTD did not adequately train Mr. Watley in discharging his duties. The facts of this case clearly demonstrate otherwise. Mr. Watley, the highway superintendent diligently inspected this road, making numerous observations of this same area. It is more probable than not, he did not detect the dead tree because of the foliage created by the two contiguous trees in addition to the fact that it appeared to be living since the first 40-50 feet of the tree's trunk contained bark. This court is convinced that the reason this dead tree was not noticed is not attributable to negligent conduct on the part of the state. Based on these findings, we conclude that the plaintiffs failed to meet their burden of proving that DOTD was actually or constructively aware of a hazardous condition, and failed to take corrective action within a reasonable time. Under the standards of appellate review, the findings of the trial court were reasonable, therefore, the court of appeal erred in reversing the lower court.