I think you're right about the double standard, but there is another factor - distribution of culpability. Current situation: 16,000 drivers, each responsible

I think you're right about the double standard, but there is another factor - distribution of culpability. Current situation: 16,000 drivers, each responsible for about 2 deaths. Situation with the computers in control: 1 CEO of a manufacturing company, could be prosecuted for causing 1,000 deaths. Who would want to be in that position? And as for being forgiving of human error, it's easier to be forgiving of an individual driver who causes an accident (as long as he was not reckless, e.g. drunk) because it could be you next time - anyone can make that kind of error. But the CEO of Samsung/Google/whoever could not be you: You know you will never have that job, and also you may be envious of their wealth, which will make you (and the judge) less sympathetic.