Auto accident discussion

Boy pleads guilty in fatal wreck A 16-year-old Overland Park boy pleaded guilty this morning in connection with an accident that killed a 14-year-old girl. George L. Lawrence appeared in court in Johnson County and pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor. Lawrence was driving a sport utility vehicle on May 23 that left the road about 9:20 p.m. and hit a utility pole near Ridgeview Road and Sunset Drive. Passenger Kelsey L. Price of Olathe was killed. Prosecutors said Lawrence was driving 57 mph in a 45 mph zone. A judge placed Lawrence on probation for two years. He also will be under house arrest, attend driver’s school and perform 100 hours community service. Alright, I know no more to this story than what is printed here. My first reaction to this is, "great, hold the kid responsible" but then I thought about it more. 57 in a 45 isn't really that much faster, heck, I do that all the time. I've even caused an accident before, not a major one, but ya I wasn't paying good enough attention. I wish I knew more facts here, like he was drunk, or racing etc. but I don't. I'm of the opinion that every time you get in your car/on your bike, you are taking a known risk that public streets can be dangerous. Yes people should take responsibility for acts that increase the likelyhood of having an accident, ie. drinking, racing, intentionally driving beyond your means. But is there a line where it is "accident"? I'm curious what others think. should a driver face manslaughter charges for an "accident"? Where is the line drawn between accident and charges filed?

I was actually think it was a bit harsh myself before reading your comments. It would help greatly to know the rest of the story.

this is a really tough one...if you allow people the excuse of "it was just an accident" wouldnt that be the #1 reason everyone would give? And wouldnt that allow the people who were really guilty off the hook as well as the people who arent? If you fall asleep on the road and kill your passenger, is it really an accident? or something you are truly guilty of b/c you didnt get enough sleep to be driving? or if you drive drunk, yeah, sure you didnt mean to hit that other car, it was an accident, but you still drank and drove...therefore, is it really an accident? IMO an accident is something that you truly couldnt stop, like an 18 wheeler crashing in front of you and you hitting him, yeah that would be an accident if you were following all the rules of the road (speed limit, etc)...or the person who made a bad choice hitting you, that would be an accident... But yes, I think there must be more to the story here...

:runaway:off to Google

the only other info I can find is that the girl that dies was NOT wearing a seatbelt and he was speeding and swerving through lanes.

Reckless driving?

I don't remember where I read it, but reckless driving causing a death is serious prison time. This could be a plea bargin taking into account his age.

It was that other accident thread we have going. Reckless driving causing a death is up to five years in jail. Aggrevated driving under the influence of illegal substances causing a death carries a sentance of up to 28 years in jail.

Reckless driving? apparently. I'm assuming they also rule it the drivers responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled in? I agree with RaeRR on this, there is a very fine line between a legitimate accident and a bad choice. Every accident can be blamed on someone. It just seems you hear about criminal charges more and more.

apparently. I'm assuming they also rule it the drivers responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled in? I agree with RaeRR on this, there is a very fine line between a legitimate accident and a bad choice. Every accident can be blamed on someone. It just seems you hear about criminal charges more and more. Yes they do if its a minor. Adults get their very own ticket.

of course nobody ever gets in their car with the specific intention of going out and maiming/killing someone. therefore all accidents happen "by accident" meaning only that it was unintentional. however, there is a cause for every accident, a reason that it happened, and that is what needs to be addressed and reprimanded.

of course nobody ever gets in their car with the specific intention of going out and maiming/killing someone. therefore all accidents happen "by accident" meaning only that it was unintentional. however, there is a cause for every accident, a reason that it happened, and that is what needs to be addressed and reprimanded. yea, i agree with the sober girl a bove me. *hickup* :buds: :iagree:

THink of the parents of the girl... Either way this is a no win situation!!

I'm curious what others think. should a driver face manslaughter charges for an "accident"? Where is the line drawn between accident and charges filed? When someone gets hurt