Drop the “A-Word”: Why It’s Time to Stop Calling Crashes “Accidents”

We hear the word accident everywhere — in news headlines, conversations with friends, and even when describing our own experiences on the road. But more and more safety advocates are asking us to rethink that word entirely. They’re calling on all of us — from Boomers to Zoomers — to drop the “A-Word.”

Why? Because words matter. And this one, in particular, quietly reshapes how we see responsibility, risk, and the truth about what happens on our roads. Whether you grew up when rolling down the window was the height of tech or when your car literally talks to you, we all share the same roads and the same risks. And while language may seem like a small thing, it plays a powerful role in shaping how we think about safety, responsibility, and preventable harm.

Language Isn’t Neutral — Especially Here

Most people define an accident as something unpredictable or unavoidable. But that’s not an accurate way to describe the majority of roadway incidents. When someone is texting, following too closely, speeding, or driving impaired, the resulting harm isn’t random — it’s caused.

The word accident softens that reality. It implies blamelessness, as if nothing could have been done to prevent the outcome. Terms like crash, collision, or wreck are factual. They describe what happened without erasing the conditions that led to it.

This isn’t just a matter of preference — it’s backed by research. Studies show that the terms reporters use influence how readers assign responsibility and whether they believe change is possible. Calling something an “accident” makes people less likely to see preventable behaviors — like distraction — as meaningful contributors.

Crashes Aren’t Random — They’re Predictable and Preventable

Traffic safety experts estimate that most roadway harms stem from human behavior, not fate. Distracted driving alone contributes to thousands of injuries and deaths every year. The organization EndDD (End Distracted Driving) puts it plainly: “If a crash is preventable, it isn’t an accident.”

I know from personal experience that this is true. I’ve been in several crashes — and in every single one, someone’s behavior was at fault. It’s uncomfortable to say out loud, but it’s the truth that drives progress.

Pretending these moments “just happen” keeps us stuck. Naming them accurately helps us understand them — and fix what led to them.

The Media Is Catching On — And We Should Too

The Associated Press and major safety organizations have updated their language guidelines, urging reporters to avoid using accident for traffic events unless the lack of human influence is absolutely clear. The shift is intentional:

• Crash communicates cause and effect.

• Accident suggests inevitability.

When society shifts its vocabulary, it shifts its expectations. And expectations influence behavior.

Why Gen X and Gen Z Should Care About This Together

Every generation brings something important to this conversation.

Gen X remembers cars without airbags, seat-belt reminders, or anti-lock brakes. They grew up watching the culture around traffic safety evolve — often slowly, sometimes painfully.

They’ve lived long enough to know that prevention works and that accountability saves lives.

Gen Z is entering a world where cars are smarter, but distractions are more powerful than ever. They’ve grown up with constant digital connection — and constant digital temptation — making them especially vulnerable to behaviors that lead to serious crashes.

But both generations share the road. And both deserve language that tells the truth: these tragedies are preventable. We can do better.

Changing One Word Can Change a Culture

Dropping the “A-Word” isn’t about blame — it’s about accuracy. It’s about looking at the real causes of harm so we can address them honestly.

When we say:

“It was a crash caused by distracted driving,”

instead of:

“It was just an accident,”

we remind ourselves — and each other — that choices matter. That safety isn’t luck. And that we all have a role in preventing the next tragedy.

Easy Ways to Make the Shift

• Watch your own language. Swap accident for crash, collision, or wreck.

• Gently correct others when the opportunity is right.

• Model the mindset: highlight causes, not excuses.

• Teach young drivers that prevention starts with attention.

Every shift in culture starts with small, repeated changes. This one can literally save lives.

Final Thought

Crashes aren’t unavoidable. They’re not random. And they’re almost never without cause. Dropping the “A-Word” helps us see the reality in front of us — one where accountability, prevention, and awareness can make the roads safer for everyone.

Because once you stop calling it an accident, you start understanding what really needs to change.