TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Intoxicated manslaughter is the appropriate charge in this scenario because it involves operating a vehicle or vehicle-like device, such as an amusement ride, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resulting in the accidental death of another person. The law recognizes that individuals who make the choice to operate any form of transportation or machinery while intoxicated can be held criminally accountable for the consequences of their actions, particularly when those actions lead to the unintentional death of another.

In this case, the individual's intoxication is a critical factor because it demonstrates a disregard for the safety of others. The establishment of intoxicated manslaughter as an offense aims to address the severity of such negligence when it causes fatal outcomes. This offense combines elements of recklessness and a direct link between the impaired state and the resultant death, distinguishing it from lesser charges that do not encompass the aspect of intoxication coupled with the fatal incident.