By the California Department of Public Health Team
When we call a crash an “accident,” we’re telling a story- that the event was random and simply just bad luck. But that story is wrong. It’s time we told a different story, one that is more accurate and focused on prevention.
Public health is rooted in prevention, and this includes preventing traffic injuries and fatalities for all road users. The partnership between public health and transportation has gained momentum, and the prevention message is now common across both fields. For decades, the term “accident” has been the default way to describe all traffic-related crashes. But increasingly, public health professionals, transportation officials, and safety advocates have called for a shift in language, one that acknowledges our shared responsibility as imperfect road users navigating an imperfect transportation system.
A helpful resource that explains the need for this shift is the 2025 – 2029 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan’s (SHSP) Crash Not Accident flyer. The flyer outlines six reasons to stop using the term “accident,” including the need to promote accountability, emphasizing preventability, and supporting victims. It reminds us that the language we choose influences the public’s understanding, shapes policy, and can either advance or hinder efforts to build safer streets. Using the word “crash” encourages a collective mindset centered on solutions and prevention.
When we change our words, we literally change the conversation. And that conversation can lead to safer roads for everyone.
