towards the creation of an offense of road homicide?

The terrible accident in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (Lille) which caused the death of three police officers triggered an awareness of the authorities. The driver in question, also dead, was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis. This road violence is now qualified as involuntary violence by law. “Involuntary”, a term that is debated. “When you take narcotics and make the decision to drive, you know you are committing a potentially dangerous act”assures a young woman.

Towards a criminalization of these offences?

Today, under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, the perpetrators of manslaughter are liable to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 euros. The government is considering the creation of a traffic offense for fatal accidents caused by alcohol and drugs. This could lead to a new sanctions regime. Maître Rémy Josseaume, a specialized lawyer, believes that we “may consider a reflection on the criminalization of these offences”. Elisabeth Borne will convene an interministerial committee on the issue next July.