Driving in Ohio carries a heavy responsibility—one mistake can lead to devastating consequences like vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter. These terms often appear in news reports after tragic accidents, but their legal distinctions are critical for drivers to understand.
What Is Vehicular Homicide?
Vehicular homicide in Ohio occurs when a driver causes a death through reckless or negligent driving, without intending harm. According to Ohio Revised Code 2903.06, this includes actions like:
- Speeding 30+ mph over the limit, leading to a fatal crash
- Running a red light and hitting a pedestrian
- Texting while driving and causing a deadly accident
Though not malicious, these behaviors show disregard for safety and result in felony charges.
What Is Vehicular Manslaughter?
Vehicular manslaughter is a lesser charge also under ORC 2903.06. It applies when a death results from a minor traffic violation or simple negligence. Examples include:
- Failing to yield at a crosswalk
- Slightly exceeding the speed limit
- Missing a stop sign due to inattention
Though charged as a misdemeanor, the consequences are still serious.
Key Differences Between the Two
| Factor | Vehicular Homicide | Vehicular Manslaughter |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Reckless disregard, no intent to harm | Negligence, minor error, no intent |
| Traffic Violation | Major (e.g., speeding, OVI, texting) | Minor (e.g., failing to yield) |
| Charge | Felony (1st–3rd degree) | Misdemeanor (1st–2nd degree) |
| Penalties | 1–7 years in prison, $1,000–$15,000 fine | Up to 90 days jail, $750–$1,000 fine |
| License Suspension | 1–7 years | 6 months–3 years |
| Credit Points | 6 points | 2–4 points |
Factors Influencing Charges
- Driving behavior: Recklessness vs. minor negligence
- Violation severity: OVI or racing vs. rolling a stop sign
- Conditions: Nighttime, fog, or school zones increase penalties
- Driving history: Repeat offenses increase likelihood of homicide charge
- Victim type: Children or multiple victims raise severity
An OVI (0.08% BAC or higher) automatically escalates a fatal crash to vehicular homicide.
Legal and Personal Consequences
Whether charged with homicide or manslaughter, the fallout is lasting:
- License points: 6 for homicide, 2–4 for manslaughter
- Insurance spikes: 50–100% premium increases for years
- Job loss: Commercial drivers often disqualified
- Emotional impact: Long-term guilt and trauma
- Felony record: Affects housing, employment, and travel
How These Charges Happen
- Speeding: 10–30+ mph over limits in fatal crashes
- Texting: 2 points and often tied to deadly distraction
- OVI: A 0.08+ BAC leads to a 6-point offense and automatic felony if fatal
- Failure to yield or signal: Leads to fatal pedestrian or cyclist collisions
Ohio sees over 1,000 roadway deaths annually—many preventable.
Preventing These Tragedies
Adopt safe habits to avoid both charges:
- Follow the 65 mph limit—don’t exceed by 30+
- Use hands-free devices—texting is banned in Ohio
- Stay sober—any alcohol while driving risks lives
- Signal 100 feet in advance per Ohio law
- Take breaks—fatigue impairs like alcohol
Our defensive driving course reinforces these habits while earning a 2-point credit.
If You Face Charges
- Get legal help: A defense lawyer is essential
- Remain silent: Don’t admit fault to police
- Document everything: Conditions, witnesses, and vehicle damage
- Appear in court: Avoid warrants or additional penalties
- Take our course: For minor violations, earn a 2-point credit to ease BMV impact
Long-Term Impact
A felony charge like vehicular homicide haunts your future—employment, finances, and reputation suffer. Even misdemeanors like vehicular manslaughter raise insurance and limit jobs. Emotional scars from causing a death often outlast legal ones. Defensive driving can prevent it all.
Drive Safe—Join Us!
Vehicular homicide and manslaughter are preventable. Learn the difference and protect yourself with our Ohio BMV-approved course.
Cost: $69.95
Time: 8 hours online
Benefit: 2-point credit and safer driving knowledge
Enroll today to stay legal and protect your future on the road.
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
