Raleigh Christmas Parade adds new requirements as manslaughter case moves through court

Nearly 10 months after 11-year-old Hailey Brooks was killed at the Raleigh Christmas Parade, organizers have begun planning this year’s event as the case against the driver who hit her drudges through the court system.

On Aug. 18, the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association announced in a press release that applications have opened for participants in this year’s parade.

This year, though, the parade is “implementing additional requirements for those participating,” according to the release.

Landen Glass was 20 when he lost control of his modified pickup truck as it pulled a float in the Raleigh parade on Nov. 19, 2022. His truck struck Brooks, who was dancing with the CC & Company Dance Complex. She was transported to a hospital where she died.

This year, all drivers will be required to be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. A passenger over the age of 21 will also be required to ride with every driver.

Drivers must provide proof that the vehicle they are driving has passed inspection and has proper safety equipment, including but not limited to properly functioning brakes, lights, horn, steering mechanism, windows and windshield wipers, directional signals, tires, mirrors and exhaust systems.

Participants will be required to show a certificate of insurance.

After Hailey’s death, her parents filed a wrongful death suit against the Greater Raleigh Merchant’s Association, Shop Local Raleigh, Glass, CC & Co. Dance Company and D&L Floats.

This year’s parade is scheduled for Nov. 18.

What’s the status of the NC Parade Safety Bill?

In April, the North Carolina House passed the “Shine Like Hailey Parade Safety Bill.”

If adopted by the Senate, the bill would require parade organizers in cities of 35,000 or more residents to inspect vehicles within seven days of the parade and ensure each one is registered and insured. It would also require anyone driving in the parade to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license, an increased age from the parade’s current requirements.

The bill would allow municipalities of fewer than 35,000 to enact the same requirements but wouldn’t require them to.

The proposed legislation, however, does not require mechanics to inspect vehicles used in parades.

Instead, inspections would be completed by the local police and fire department of the municipality hosting the parade.

The bill has not been voted on in the Senate yet.

What happened to the driver, Landen Glass?

After the parade, Glass was initially charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, unsafe movement and carrying a firearm in a parade.

In April, Glass’s charges were elevated from misdemeanor death by motor vehicle to felony involuntary manslaughter.

Glass was not present at a court hearing on the case Monday morning. His lawyer, Roger Smith of Tharrington Smith, appeared before Judge Paul Ridgeway on Glass’s behalf.

Smith told The News & Observer that it is too early in the case to think about the potential for a plea deal.

Glass’s next court appearance is scheduled for early November.