What is "vehicular manslaughter" in Missouri?

In Missouri, "vehicular manslaughter" refers specifically to causing death through negligent or reckless driving. This classification captures situations where a driver, through their actions, fails to uphold a standard of care that results in the unintentional death of another person. The key elements here are negligence or recklessness; the driver’s behavior does not need to be intentional, but it must demonstrate a disregard for the safety of others.

This legal definition encompasses a wide range of driving behaviors, including distracted driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws, which can all lead to fatal accidents. The notion of recklessness involves a conscious disregard for a substantial and unjustifiable risk that results in death, which aligns with the principles of vehicular manslaughter as outlined in Missouri law.

In contrast, behaviors such as intentional actions aimed at harming someone with a vehicle fall under different legal charges, which is why options involving intent, such as intentionally hitting someone or causing death while driving under the influence, do not describe vehicular manslaughter appropriately. Additionally, the accidental death of a pedestrian alone does not meet the criteria of negligence or recklessness without establishing that the driver acted in a way that created a substantial risk of harm.