Cyclist Deaths in New York City: Accident or Crime?

> Umar Baig barreled through a red light at a terrifying speed and T-boned an S.U.V., sending it flying across the street into José Alzorriz, a cyclist,(...) killing him instantly.

> Mr. Baig, 18, has not been charged.

> Running a red light alone is almost never considered reckless driving, even though in Mr. Alzorriz’s case, it had fatal consequences.

Not being a US resident, this is unbelievable to me. Is this only NY or all states?

Compare with France:

- A person who kills someone while driving a car is automatically charged with involuntary manslaughter: the killing implies the driver's recklessness

- The penalty for involuntary manslaughter is up to three years in prison; if the driver was willingly reckless (for instance, deliberately ran a red light), the penalty is upgraded to five years

- The only way to exoneration is proving that the victim was blatantly reckless themself or suicidal: if someone jumps right in front of your moving car, for instance