If an intoxicated driver is hit from behind at a red light resulting in a passenger's death, what is the appropriate charge for the driver?

The correct charge in this scenario, where an intoxicated driver is involved in a collision that results in a passenger's death, could be considered as driving while intoxicated. Driving while intoxicated laws focus on the impairment of a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely due to alcohol or drugs. In this case, the condition of the driver directly contributed to the incident, as their intoxication was a significant factor in the crash, regardless of the fact that they were stopped at a red light.

The other options suggest different aspects of culpability. Negligent homicide would imply a lack of intent but a failure to exercise reasonable care, while involuntary manslaughter typically suggests a reckless disregard for life. Reckless driving focuses on unsafe vehicle operations but may not fully capture the implications of the intoxication. Thus, driving while intoxicated encompasses the core violation due to the driver's impairment at the time of the incident.