It's a shame, but at the same time...no

From the Letters to the Editor page of the St. Louis Post Dispatch:

I am furious thathe truck driver Thomas Miskel was indicted on five counts of felony involuntary manslaughter because apparently was "not paying attention" when he read-ented [sic] a minivan and five people were killed.
As a techer of children with special needs, I work with many children who have difficulty "paying attention" in school and their daily lives. I hope these children will not be penalized to the extent Mr. Miskel was. Apparently, Mr. Miskel showed remorese for his action, as shown by his behavior at the scene and at his home when police officers arrested him. Isn't anything an accident anymore?

PS. Emphasis added.

Hmmm... I'm sure that some things are still written off as accidents, and maybe this fellow had the book thrown at him a bit too vigorously. I don't know these things. Nonetheless, there's something to be said for a certain expectation on your attentions once you're behind the wheel of a 4+ ton vehicle. I'm sorry if this woman's students might in the future be barred from the fast-paced world of trucking, but at the same time I find myself relieved.