Though not technically a bike law it would make extreme carelessness by a driver a misdemeanor.
Maryland law treats vehicular manslaughter — a wanton or reckless
disregard for human life — as a felony, while any motorist offense
short of that, absent alcohol or drugs, is regarded as a traffic
violation.
Lewis testified in support of House Bill 97, which would close what he called “that big gaping hole” between felony and traffic violation by making it a misdemeanor when a driver kills someone through a “substantial deviation from the standard of care … exercised by a reasonable” motorist.
The misdemeanor would carry a maximum prison term of three years and a fine of up to $5,000.
Lewis testified in support of House Bill 97, which would close what he called “that big gaping hole” between felony and traffic violation by making it a misdemeanor when a driver kills someone through a “substantial deviation from the standard of care … exercised by a reasonable” motorist.
The misdemeanor would carry a maximum prison term of three years and a fine of up to $5,000.
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