Harsher penalites for criminally-negligent driving passes Maryland House

Maryland's House of Delegates voted unanimously to pass a bill for harsher penalties for criminally-negligent driving Wednesday.

Delegate Mary Beth Carozza introduced the bill following the death of Scott Tatterson and life-threatening injuries Wade Pusey who were struck by a negligent driver on February 22, 2016.

Carozza was informed by Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby that the only offense that the driver could be charged related to the life-threatening injuries case was a motor vehicle citation.  That charge would carry a maximum penalty of $500.

In comparison, current law provides that manslaughter by vehicle through criminal negligence is a misdemeanor and subject to a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

The bill would now establish life-threatening injuries due to criminally negligent driving as a misdemeanor.  The violator would be subject to a maximum 18-month prison sentence, or an undisclosed fine.