Reporting on crashes: a guide for journalists, schools and community groups
How to write about crashes accurately and fairly, in ways that prevent the next one
Most people learn about traffic crashes from local news, school notices, social media posts and community newsletters. The way those stories are written shapes how readers see the problem. Is it a random tragedy, or a preventable one? Is the person walking to blame, or the driver, or the road?
This guide is for anyone who writes about crashes: reporters, editors, school staff, community groups, nonprofits and safety advocates.
Words matter: "crash," not "accident"
For decades, crashes were called “accidents,” a word that suggests no one could have prevented them. Most crashes involve preventable factors, such as speeding, impairment, distraction or a dangerous road design. NHTSA and many state safety agencies now use “crash.” Major newsroom style guides advise avoiding “accident” when negligence is claimed or proven.
Use: crash, collision, wreck. Avoid: accident, unless quoting someone.
Use active voice and name the driver
Research has tested how wording affects readers. A team led by Tara Goddard of Texas A&M University, working with Rutgers University researchers, gave people news stories about crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Some versions shifted the focus to the car and driver. One said “A car hit and killed a pedestrian” instead of “A pedestrian was hit and killed by a car” [1]. That shift reduced victim blaming and increased the blame readers placed on the driver [1].
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Wording that hides the driver and wording that is clear
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| A pedestrian was struck and killed. | A driver struck and killed a pedestrian. |
| A car jumped the curb. | A driver drove onto the sidewalk. |
| The cyclist was not wearing a helmet. (as the main detail) | Report the helmet only if relevant, and alongside the driver’s actions |
| A tragic accident claimed a life. | A crash killed one person. |
Source: Based on findings by Goddard and colleagues, 2019 [1], and common style guidance.
Vehicles do not drive themselves, with rare exceptions. When a person was driving, say so.
Get the facts right
- Rely on official sources. Police, fire and transportation officials are primary sources. Early statements are often preliminary.
- Avoid guessing about fault. Say “police are investigating” until findings are released.
- Update stories. Add corrections and follow up when charges, causes or road changes are announced.
- Know what records exist. Crash reports, 911 logs, road project files and court records may be available through public records requests.
Add context: one crash or a pattern?
Single crash stories rarely explain why crashes keep happening. Researchers call this the difference between telling one episode and showing the bigger theme. Strong coverage adds context:
- How many people have been hurt or killed on this road in recent years? Check your state crash data portal.
- How do local numbers compare with state or national trends? Federal data show 36,640 traffic deaths in 2025 [2].
- Has the road been flagged in a safety plan? Are fixes planned?
- What do traffic engineers say about design, speed limits or lighting?
Respect victims and families
- Wait for official notification before naming a person who died
- Avoid graphic photos of injured people or bodies
- Do not focus on what victims wore or carried unless it truly matters to the story
- Ask families, with care, if they want to share a photo or a memory
- Protect minors. Follow your newsroom or school policy on naming children
- Remember survivors. People injured in crashes often face long recoveries
Warning: Social media posts with crash scene photos can reach families before police do. Do not post images that show victims, license plates of victims’ vehicles or identifiable details before families are notified.
Point readers to prevention and help
End stories with useful information:
- Safety tips connected to the crash, such as slowing down in school zones
- Local programs, such as safe ride home services or car seat checks
- Where to find support after a crash
- How residents can request a traffic safety review
Checklist: before you publish
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- I used “crash” or “collision,” not “accident”
- I named the driver or vehicle as the actor when facts support it
- I used official sources and said what is still under investigation
- I added data or context beyond this single crash
- I avoided graphic images and waited for family notification
- I included prevention tips or resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I say a driver “lost control”?
It is common but vague. If police say the driver was speeding or impaired, report that. If the cause is unknown, say police are investigating.
Should I mention whether a pedestrian was in a crosswalk?
Yes, if officials confirm it and it is relevant. Also report the road design, such as whether a crosswalk or signal was nearby.
Where can I find crash data for context?
Use NHTSA’s federal data for national trends and your state’s crash data portal for local patterns.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1Goddard T, Ralph K, Thigpen CG, Iacobucci E. “Does news coverage of traffic crashes affect perceived blame and preferred solutions? Evidence from an experiment.” Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2019. Summary: sciencedaily.com/…/200129091418.htm
- 2National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2025” (DOT HS 813 800). crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/…/813800
This article reflects the safety priorities of public education and respect for crash victims and families. It is general guidance, not legal advice. Follow your organization’s own editorial and privacy policies. Reviewed November 2026.
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