Originally Posted by burnthesheep

Local story from yesterday: 4 teens killed. Driver of deliver box truck crosses median and hit them head on in their vehicle (not bikes). Charges? Misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and speeding.

Like, what? Life is that cheap? 4 of them?

I don't like the suspected answer. Any old person might think selfish road behavior is fine and eventually get caught up in a bad incident but doesn't want the consequences.........but not many people take part in traditional "violent crime" so don't mine tossing the book at those crimes.

What's some practical reasons that car, bicycle, pedestrian death law brings such light penalties?