The police have so far given the safety driver a pass even after viewing the video. They were actually quite quick about it. I am sure they are still reviewing it. I've read AZ doesn't have very strict distracted driving laws if any. That might be one of the reasons they are testing in AZ. If the homicide had occurred in my town, I suspect the driver would be facing negligent homicide charges.
It seems to be in the process of becoming law on a town or county level, not a state level.
Here is one example -
https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/police/distracted-driving-ordinance
I'm presuming Tempe does not have such an ordinance, or if it does then the “Uber dude” is not classified as a driver.
After California testing issues in 2016, Uber sought other venues for live testing. Perhaps some green found it’s way into election coffers to grease approvals in other states.
Agreed - in most jurisdictions this would be a case of negligent homicide ( perhaps with some mitigating factors )