Tennessee mother pushes for stronger penalties in deadly hit-and-run crashes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Middle Tennessee mother who lost her son in a hit-and-run crash in Nolensville is one step closer to changing state law.

In 2021, 19-year-old James “Jimmy” Bardsley was riding his motorcycle home from work when he was hit and killed. The driver who hit him fled from the crash.

Bardsley’s mother, Kim Webb, says a Life360 alert helped first responders and family find him quickly, but the loss altered her life forever. She says the tragedy also showed her a gap in Tennessee law when it comes to deadly hit-and-run crashes and seeking justice.

“There’s no way someone saw what happened and drove away thinking, ‘Oh, I’m sure he’s fine,’” Webb said.

This week, Webb met with State Senator Kerry Roberts, who agreed to sponsor the James Bardsley Life Protection Act.

“Within 10 minutes, he was saying yes. It’s just something that’s needed,” Webb said. “It’s really been prevalent in Tennessee that hit-and-runs seem to be the easier choice. That’s what we’re trying to change.”

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Right now, Tennessee does not have a distinct charge or mandatory minimum sentence for leaving the scene of a deadly crash.

“If there’s a fatality, there needs to be a separate charge,” Webb said.

She said the man who hit Bardsley only served a few months behind bars before being released on parole. Webb believes stronger penalties would make people think twice before leaving the scene.

“The pull to stay has to be stronger than the temptation to leave,” she said.

Webb is now working to secure a House co-sponsor and is gathering more signatures in support of the proposal. She says her goal is accountability and preventing other families from going through the same heartbreak.

For those who want to support the effort, a public petition is available here.