Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question:  As a traffic safety official, I am very upset that people don’t realize that there is some significance as to what is going on with using the term “crash” as compared to using the word “accident” in news articles and other media. I see both terms used, and I personally know that there is some intentionality about this. I know that you use the word crash for a reason, so can you do an article about this issue so that we can get everyone on the same page?

Answer:  This issue stems from a court trial over a decade ago that involved the intentional ramming of a police vehicle, which resulted in the death of a police officer. During the trial, an attorney mentioned that the incident was referred to by police in their reports as an “accident.” It also was reported by police on an “accident” report form, thus it was argued that the incident was not intentional and charges should be dismissed.

Since that time, traffic safety officials in the state have been educating citizens regarding the difference between the words “crash” and “accident.” We know that human driving error causes the vast majority of crashes and are therefore preventable. Since these crashes are not accidents, we must use the correct term to define them. 

Toward Zero Deaths program officials and local traffic safety coalitions have worked on this issue in all regions of the state. This effort continues at the Department of Public Safety, in particular the Office of Traffic Safety. Spokespersons at the Minnesota Department of Transportation also use the term “crash.”

Although we continue to emphasize the word “crash,” the media frequently refers to them as accidents. This may be primarily due to the fact that they have grown up hearing crashes called “car accidents.” If everyone gets into the habit of using the word “crash” instead of “accident,” we will all be on the same page regarding this traffic safety term.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.