The reasoning behind it:
"Lack of Proof for Severe Negligence: Under Dutch law (Artikel 6 Wegenverkeerswet), a heavy prison sentence for a fatal traffic accident requires proof of gross negligence or recklessness (schuld)."

"No Evidence of Excessive Speed: Investigators could not legally prove that the driver was speeding excessively or that speed was the definitive cause of the vehicle losing control."

"Lesser Offense Applied: The court convicted him under a lighter traffic article (Artikel 5) for failing to keep his vehicle under continuous control rather than aggravated manslaughter or fatal recklessness, which capped the legal punishment guidelines significantly."

The original 120-hour sentence was itself overturned upon appeal in September 2015. The higher appeals court concluded that excessive speed was legally proven, sentencing the driver to 15 months in prison and a four-year driving ban.

In 2020 the traffic laws were overhauled to increase penalties and expand what constituted reckless driving. A penalty points system was also implemented.