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At the end of an interministerial council, Elisabeth Borne must announce, Monday, July 17, the creation of a new traffic offense. The term “road homicide” will replace the concept of manslaughter following a road accident. Explanations.
This was a long-standing request from associations of road victims. The term “manslaughter” will be replaced by “road homicide”. This new offense will apply in the event of a blown red light or speeding, and when the driver has consumed alcohol or narcotics. “It is an important symbol because, for the victims or the families of victims, it is intolerable, unacceptable to hear about manslaughter when at the base, there is extremely dangerous behavior”explains Me Antoine Régley, lawyer in traffic law.
Republicans want tougher penalties
But the associations remain disappointed. They would like the status of victim to be better recognized with faster support for the victim in homicide cases. Some would also have liked to see the penalties increased. A road homicide is 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros. The Republicans have tabled a bill to demand penalties twice as heavy, up to 20 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros.