The personal responsibility argument is always equally true and futile. Systems need to account for irresponsibility, especially those like the transportation system. The thought process of the distracted driver is not that the penalty can be disregarded. People develop a false sense of confidence in that an accident hasn't happened to them, so they can drive faster or look at their phone.

The logistics of the penalty need to be considered too. Are are the people at fault in fatal collisions to be put into the already crowded prison system indefinitely? It's cheaper in the long run to evolve the system to restrict the potential harm that can be inflicted by irresponsible people.