If a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and negligently causes an accident that results in the death of another person, the operator may be charged with the criminal offense of intoxication manslaughter.

Some states have a broader definition of the criminal offense of intoxication manslaughter and may charge an intoxicated person who negligently causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, or an amusement ride with the crime of intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter is a felony offense and may be punished by significant jail or prison time.

Laws vary from state to state, and some states have criminal offenses such as vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide, as provided by the state’s statutes, and may charge an intoxicated person who negligently causes the death of another motorist with such a crime.

Intoxication manslaughter laws are generally located in a state's statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Idaho, the relevant offense for a situation where a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and causes an accident resulting in the death of another person is vehicular manslaughter. This is covered under Idaho Code § 18-4006(3), which states that vehicular manslaughter occurs when a person operates a vehicle 'in a reckless manner or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substances, and in a manner that results in the death of another human being.' Unlike some states that have a specific offense of intoxication manslaughter, Idaho law encompasses the concept within its broader vehicular manslaughter statute. Vehicular manslaughter in Idaho is a felony offense and can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the suspension of driving privileges. The exact punishment would depend on the circumstances of the case and the degree of negligence involved.