
French Justice Minister Didier Migaud has announced his support for the swift introduction of a new criminal offense, “road homicide”, which would address fatalities caused by reckless driving.
His remarks came shortly after a Paris court sentenced Franky D., a 27-year-old man, to seven years in prison for the 2022 death of Antoine Alléno, the son of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, Le Monde reported.
The case has reignited debate over the adequacy of existing traffic laws in dealing with severe negligence. Franky D., who was intoxicated and driving a stolen vehicle, struck and killed 24-year-old Alléno. Despite the conviction for involuntary manslaughter, Alléno’s family and their lawyers criticized the verdict as insufficient, arguing for harsher penalties and better legal definitions of crimes stemming from extreme negligence behind the wheel.
Reform
Minister Migaud described the push for the road homicide law as “perfectly legitimate” and pledged to accelerate its implementation. “I can understand the Alléno family’s anger and emotion,” he stated, acknowledging the emotional toll of the tragedy. He confirmed plans to meet with Yannick Alléno, who has become a vocal advocate for reform since his son’s death.
A proposed transpartisan law addressing road homicide was initially discussed in parliament but stalled earlier this year. It would specifically target fatalities caused by deliberate risky driving, such as excessive speeding, drunk driving, or drug-impaired driving. While penalties would remain capped at 10 years’ imprisonment and €150,000 in fines for cases with multiple aggravating factors, the new law aims to establish clearer accountability for such incidents.
Arguments
“The current framework fails to reflect the severity of deliberate violations that lead to loss of life,” argued Basile Ader, the Alléno family’s lawyer. Yannick Alléno has also urged lawmakers to expedite changes, highlighting the human cost of inaction.
The introduction of road homicide as a crime would align France with other European countries that have already adopted similar legal definitions, emphasizing deterrence and justice for victims.
Migaud’s announcement comes amid broader discussions on traffic law reforms, including stricter penalties for driving under the influence and other high-risk behaviors.