The consequence for this shouldn’t be jail time or a fine—it should be seizure of the vehicle and a lifetime ban on holding a drivers license again. There is absolutely no legal right to operate a motor vehicle—it’s a privilege that has gotten completely out-of-hand. There are cameras everywhere in DC, it’s easy to tell whether it’s aggravated or accidental. I agree with OP that it’s increasingly the former, and without any consequences (nobody ever pays the fines, cars will drive around with like 5-figures in owed fines) this behavior will only get worse and the bodies will continue to accumulate.

Also, bollard-protected pedestrian zones. Absolutely no reason any private vehicle ought to be downtown.