Vehicular manslaughter results from causing unintentional death due to driving. This crime is a relatively new addition to the list of homicide offenses.
Vehicular manslaughter is when a driver unintentional involves passengers, pedestrians or occupants of other cars in an accident. Drivers may or may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may or may not be at fault for reckless driving.
Penalties Vary by State
Each of state in the US specifies the circumstances under which the victims can be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Even minor accidents that involve this charge often go to court and jurors are tasked with imposing punishment decisions. Often, a driver receives a maximum punishment of one year in jail or a large fine. Depending on the importance of the crime and circumstance of the accident, a jury can decide additional penalties.
Vehicular manslaughter charges can also be much more severe. Death by vehicles due to gross negligence or speeding may be charged as a misdemeanor. Drunk driving is often treated as a felony. As this is a relatively new homicide crime, penalties tend to vary widely.
Causes are often related to:
Negligent driving: State rules determine whether a driver will be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Death by vehicle due to negligence can award an imprisonment up to one year.
Drunk driving: This is applicable when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Public prosecutors can often prove “negligence,” depending on reckless behavior rules of the state. Self-incriminating statements, eyewitness proof, and some other chemical tests are taken as evidences.
Apart from these two charges, other possible causes for vehicular manslaughter include:
Criminal negligence, culpable or gross negligence, reckless disregard of others’ safety
Falling asleep while driving
Death of a passenger, including a friend or loved one
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