Accidents to Accountability: The Need to Change How We Talk About Road Trauma

For anyone who has lost a loved one to road trauma, the term 'accident' is not only inadequate—it feels like a second injury. For members of the Road Trauma Support Group NSW, who have faced the darkest moments following the violent, sudden loss of family members due to reckless driving, the word dismisses the preventable and often criminal nature of these events.

Michael Duke lost his wife and mother of his three children Jo to a reckless driver in 2019. He explains, "calling the crash that took Jo an 'accident' feels like erasing the recklessness that caused it. It wasn't just some random event; it was the?thoughtless, brutal, criminal actions of?someone who was in a hurry to get home.”

Losing his 17-year-old son Barney in a crash involving a drunk and speeding P-plater, propelled RTSG founding member Duncan Wakes-Miller to create the Road Crash Reporting Guidelines, underscoring a fundamental shift needed in societal discourse. He says, “hearing Barney's death, referred to as an 'accident' felt like a mockery of his memory. It wasn’t an accident but a direct result of criminal behaviour."

These guidelines, supported by evidence-based research like the 'The Enduring Impact of Criminal Road Trauma in NSW,' by RTSG and FiftyFive5 (Accenture Song) advocate for precision in language that mirrors the gravity and preventability of such incidents.

David Vidal's painful journey after his son Aaron, a young police officer, who was killed by a reckless driver, further illuminates the profound pain inflicted when such losses are minimised as mere 'accidents.' "When they called Aaron's death an accident, it minimised the reality of the criminal negligence involved. It's offensive and deeply painful,” David explains. His pain prompted his successful advocacy to change NSW Police Force terminology, marking a significant step towards recognising these events as what they truly are: crashes, not accidents.

Words shape perception. When the media, authorities, or the general public refer to road tragedies as 'accidents,' it suggests an inevitability, as if no one is at fault and nothing could have been done to prevent the outcome. This not only undermines the suffering of families but also dilutes the responsibility of drivers whose deliberate choices endanger lives.

"Every time I hear the word 'accident' it feels like a denial of what happened to Jo. It’s time we all call it what it is—a crash, and start holding people accountable," says Michael Duke.

The term 'crash,' carries no inherent excuse and demands accountability. Duncan Wakes-Miller explains “if everyone implemented practical solutions from the Road Crash Reporting Guidelines, we could open the door to discussions about what could have been done differently, fostering a culture of responsibility that can lead to safer roads.”

Key principles include being mindful of the impact on those who have experienced road trauma, ensuring sensitivity in the presentation of information, and using discretion with potentially distressing images and videos. Educational content on safe driving practices and highlighting safety initiatives are encouraged to inform and influence positive changes in driving behaviours.

Accuracy in reporting is emphasised by verifying all information with credible sources and refraining from speculation until facts are confirmed. Respect for the privacy of crash victims and their families is paramount, along with avoiding sensationalist language that can induce fear or anxiety. Reporting should humanise the victims to foster empathy and provide a deeper understanding of the crash's impact, thus promoting more informed discussions on road safety.

Additionally, reports should provide context about road safety statistics, causes of crashes, and preventive measures, stressing the importance of adhering to traffic laws. Visuals depicting reckless driving should be avoided to discourage copycat behaviour. The guidelines also advise against victim-blaming and premature fault assignment, advocating for a fair and unbiased portrayal of events. Recognising severe road incidents involving recklessness as "Vehicular Homicide" reflects the seriousness of these crimes and aligns descriptions with their gravity.

“Through these actions, we can shift public perception and policy to better reflect the realities of road trauma, reducing the frequency of these devastating events and respecting the grief of those left behind,” Duncan Wakes-Miller continues.

“Changing the language we use to describe road crashes is not just about semantics; it's about aligning our words with the reality of these events and the pain they inflict. It’s about making every driver think twice before making a choice that could end lives. For our families, our friends, and our future, let's call it what it is—a crash, not an accident,” adds David Vidal.

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