Published
Update
Video length: 1 min.
The term manslaughter is replaced by that of road homicide, in the event of death caused by a motorist. A semantic and symbolic change, since the penalties incurred remain the same.
For four years, Patricia Bénard has been fighting serious road crime. For her, the semantic change from involuntary homicide to road homicide was essential. “Because this word, involuntary, it was unthinkable for us. When a person kills, it is still a murderer of the road. And under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, for me it is voluntary”she says.
A legal change but the penalties incurred do not change
Road homicide concerns all drivers, who notably burn a light, A speeding or take narcotics and alcohol. For another mother, Lydie Elisabeth Montury, whose 12-year-old son was fatally hit, and another seriously injured, this new offense is also synonymous with real status. However, this change of legal term does not increase the penalties incurred. According to the government, the law could evolve towards tougher sentences.