The national charity for road crash victims, RoadPeace is urging authorities and the media to stop using the word “road accident” and talk about a “crash” instead.

The charity, which provides information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes, says the term “road accident” exemplifies society’s tolerance of road danger.

It says too many still do not hold drivers accountable for their actions, implying instead it was a matter of chance, and by using the word “accident”, society is saying that there is nothing that can be done about these deaths and injuries, and they are an acceptable pay off for having motor vehicles.

“Planes and trains do not have “accidents”, they crash,” said RoadPeace CEO Nick Simmons. “Changing language is vital to change attitudes.

“We are calling on the media and authorities to stop using the word accident.  RoadPeace will be calling out all organisations who use the wrong language, using our hashtag #crashnotaccident. We have created a campaign pack for anyone who wants to help stop the use of the word accident.”

One road crash victim is quoted by the charity as saying, “I can’t help but get upset when people call a crash an accident. I lost my leg in a crash with a lorry. It was preventable – and even though the driver didn’t intend for the crash to happen, it was still his fault.”

(Picture – RoadPeace)