A CalMatters investigation based on a first-of-its-kind database of statewide vehicular manslaughter cases examines how the state of California routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to operate on our roads.

Too often they go on to kill. Many keep driving even after they kill. Some go on to kill again.

Impact: Lawmakers credited this series with inspiring more than a dozen new legislative proposals in 2026. More than 200 drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter had their licenses revoked after the series revealed state failures to enforce laws requiring mandatory suspensions. Second place, 2026 Collier Prize for State Government Accountability.

• Part 1 (contributor): License to Kill
• Part 2 (co-byline): They were convicted of killing with their cars. No one told the California DMV
• Part 3 (co-byline): 15 DUIs, still driving: California’s failure to take repeat drunk drivers off the road
• Part 4 (co-byline): 40,000 people died on California roads. State leaders looked away
• Part 5 (co-byline): How a speeding ticket can be worse than killing someone with your car in California
• Impact (co-byline): ‘It’s time’: California leaders unveil biggest crackdown on drunk drivers in decades
• Impact (co-byline): ‘We’re talking about people’s lives:’ California lawmakers grill DMV director on deadly failures