Accident vs crash

We have to remind our Commissioner of Public Safety for future reference and media coverage when referring to “a vehicular crash” and “a vehicular accident.” In highway safety circles, what is referred to as an accident is when the operator of a moving vehicle has no control of the situation. So, in a situation where a vehicle hits a stationary object be it a power pole or flame tree beside the road, it is a “vehicular crash.” It would be an “accident” if the power pole or flame tree darts out into the middle of the road and causes the mishap. Then again, if a meteorite suddenly falls out the sky and hits the car without expectation by the operator, this would also fit the “accident” terminology.

Francisco R. Agulto
Chalan Kanoa, Saipan