“Vehicular homicide”, a new Italian offence: law provisions and comparison with some other European countries

E. Marinelli, S. Pichini, S. Zaami, R. Giorgetti, F.P. Busardò, R. Pacifici

Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. fra.busardo@libero.it

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• Forensic Medicine

According to the most recent World Health Organization report, road accidents represent a very serious public health issue, claiming each year more than 1.2 million lives worldwide and being the leading cause of death among young people aged between 15 and 29 years.

Up to now, the policies to reduce this issue are different, unbalanced and often inadequate not only in Italy, but also in the other European Countries. Specifically, the Italian Parliament has recently introduced a new law (n. 41 of March 23rd, 2016), making vehicular homicide together with road traffic injuries a criminal offense, both to be punished as a result of negligence. The measure came into force on March 25th, 2016.

In this paper, the provisions of the above-reported law have been assessed, taking into account the modifications introduced in the Penal Code by this law and the impact it is having and will have on drivers on a day-to-day basis. Similarities and differences with legislative framework of some other European countries were also examined. Finally, some open questions to be solved are named as an open eye for future considerations.

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