Negligent Driving Bill Clears House

BERLIN — Legislation with roots in Worcester County introduced by Delegate Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C) that would increase the penalties for causing life-threatening injuries by vehicle or vessel breezed through the House last week by a unanimous 140-0 vote.

Last year, a Stockton man drove through a work zone along a roadway in the south end of Worcester County, killing one county roads department employee and critically injuring another. The driver, Marion Jones, 60, was ultimately indicted on charges of manslaughter, criminal negligence manslaughter, negligent driving and reckless driving.

In August, Jones was found guilty of negligent driving and reckless endangerment and was fined $500 for each conviction. The vehicular manslaughter charges were not prosecuted. The case revealed a gap in current law when it comes to prosecuting individuals who cause life-threatening injuries with a vehicle in a criminally-negligent manner.

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