Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Mississippi, vehicular manslaughter is referred to as 'culpable negligence manslaughter' and is covered under Mississippi Code Section 97-3-47. This statute defines the offense as the killing of another person by the operation of a vehicle as a result of the driver's culpable negligence. Culpable negligence is a higher degree of negligence than ordinary negligence and involves a reckless disregard for the safety of others. It is a felony offense in Mississippi. If the vehicular manslaughter involves a DUI (driving under the influence), the penalties can be more severe under Mississippi Code Section 63-11-30(5). The punishment for vehicular manslaughter in Mississippi can include imprisonment, fines, or both, and the specific penalties depend on the circumstances of the case, such as the level of negligence and whether alcohol or drugs were involved.