Coca-Cola's worst product placement in any film, ever....

Why would they promote [Coke] in a Warner Bros. movie?

Because Coke drinkers (and any other potential customers) go to movies made by lots of other studios and indies, too. Hard to find many movies set in modern times where there ISN'T a Coke sign, bottle or machine somewhere along the line, no matter who made it. (Unless competing brand paid higher placement fee.) Coke references have appeared in many movies involving crime and murder without apparent detriment to product.

As for unfortunate death of abusive husband in fatal Coke truck accident, at least posts suggest people still vividly remember the brand involved. Is there a movie-goer alive who quit drinking the stuff because that was the brand of pop this less-than-admirable character was delivering when he died?

Later in film, Alice and Tommy have playful "food" fight with contents of Coke cups in their motel room, and Tommy is even seen making a big mess by blowing bubbles in a Coke in the diner.

Not like anyone died from drinking that particular beverage--now THAT would be bad product placement.