CRASH NOT ACCIDENT

Saving Lives and Changing Our Perception Through Word Choice

As part of promoting a proactive traffic safety culture, we are encouraging Californians to change the way we talk about traffic crashes. Traffic crashes are not “accidents.” Using the word “accident” implies an unpredictable or somehow inevitable event where no one was at fault. Crashes are preventable events, not random occurrences that are out of our control. Using the word “crash” emphasizes the importance of accountability by taking action to prevent impaired driving, distraction, speeding, or other risky driving behaviors.

Start Using the Word “Crash” Instead of “Accident” Today.

Language can shape how we see and view things. When we call a traffic crash an “accident,” we overlook the preventable nature of the crash itself. Saying “crash” encourages us to understand what factors led to the event and the actions we can take to address these underlying causes.

An “accident” also gives the impression that the thousands of victims killed in crashes every year were victims of chance occurrences that could happen to anyone. A “crash” happens for a reason. We want people to recognize that we share in the responsibility for everyone’s safety on the road.  We can all be part of the road safety solution through our everyday actions.

A 2021 study by Rutgers and Texas A&M Universities showed that small changes in how news stories describe car crashes can significantly influence readers’ perceptions of blame. When articles use terms like “crash” instead of “accident” and are framed as part of a broader, preventable pattern, there is increased support for safety measures.

People killed or seriously injured on our roads are children, parents, siblings, neighbors, friends, and colleagues – cared for and loved by the people close to them. Their deaths or injuries were no accident and should not be accepted as an inevitable cost of using the transportation system.

At the California Office of Traffic Safety, we are working to end deadly and serious injury crashes through education, enforcement, and other innovative behavioral safety strategies. Whether we are driving, riding as passengers, walking or biking, it starts with all of us – working together to create a safer experience on our roads. Every action we take as individuals and as communities can make a difference in preventing crashes and saving lives.

For more information about why traffic safety and public health experts recommend using “crash” instead of accident, read this one-page explainer.

You have the power to grow this movement. Tell your friends and family: It’s a crash, not an accident.