The defendant, Rakesh Patel, was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death after hitting a seven-year-old girl on her bicycle in a crosswalk.
The court found that Patel drove through a red light due to substantial inattentiveness and distraction, which constituted a marked departure from the standard of care of a reasonable prudent driver.
Despite arguments that his actions were a momentary lapse due to stress, the court concluded that his prolonged inattention over 9-10 seconds, covering a significant distance, merited criminal fault.
Patel was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.
