National Highways is exploring alternatives to the word ‘accident’ following pressure from families affected by traffic collisions, road safety groups and politicians, Fleet News is reporting. The move has come after it came under pressure to stop using the word on its public information signage, such as its overhead gantries.

National Highways has previously explained that the word was used in legislation and it would need to seek permission from the DfT to change collision messaging.

However, it has now confirmed it is testing alternative language among customers, to seek road users’ approval before approaching the DfT. A National Highways spokesperson said it is “currently in a testing phase for alternative terminology” to the word accident. “We began looking into it as a result of feedback from families impacted by road traffic collisions, and in consultation with colleagues in DfT.”

It is now testing the words “Incident, Collision and Crash” as well as “Accident” with customers.