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Parents of Lille Crash Victim Demand Law Banning Driving After Nitrous Oxide Use

France has not criminalized driving after nitrous oxide use, with the bill’s fate pending talks between the Senate and the National Assembly.

Des cartouches de protoxyde d'azote et des ballons gonflables, qui permettent de l'inhaler, dans une rue de Montpellier le 22 novembre 2023

Overview

  • Prosecutors say the driver had consumed nitrous oxide contemporaneous with driving when Mathis, 19, was fatally struck in central Lille on 1 November.
  • The suspected 31-year-old, known for prior driving offenses, is under formal investigation for vehicular homicide with three aggravating factors and is being held in pretrial detention.
  • Through their lawyer, the parents call for swift justice and tougher penalties, seek a law that explicitly bans driving after nitrous oxide use, and request a meeting with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
  • A private funeral is set for Monday, with a public white march planned in Saint-Omer on Tuesday at 14:00.
  • Messages and flowers continue to be placed near the crash site as passers-by come to pay their respects.