10 Guidelines for reporting road trauma

We hope the guidelines can encourage accurate and fair reporting. One of the critical factors here is that journalists should not use the word ‘accident’ for a road collision but, instead, use ‘crash.’ The term ‘accident’ risks making criminal crashes seem inevitable and unavoidable.

1. Consider Vulnerable Audiences

  • Keep in mind that your audience includes individuals who may have experienced trauma related to road crashes. Please present information in a way that respects their sensitivities.

  • Use discretion with images and video. Avoid showing graphic scenes that could be distressing to audiences, especially if they do not contribute significantly to understanding of the story.

2. Educational Messaging

  • Include educational content on safe driving practices, road safety campaigns, and resources for viewers/readers to learn more about road safety.

  • Report on safety initiatives, policies, and technologies that can inspire positive change.

3. Prioritise Accuracy and Facts

  • Verify all information before publishing. Rely on official sources such as law enforcement, emergency services, and relevant authorities.

  • Avoid speculating about the causes of the crash until verified information is available.

4. Respect for Privacy and Sensitivity

  • Respect the privacy of crash victims and their families. Do not publish explicit details, images, or videos that could cause unnecessary distress.

  • Refrain from interviewing or photographing grieving families without their explicit consent.

5. Avoid Sensationalism

  • Avoid using sensationalist language, such as ‘horrific,’ ‘gruesome,’ or ‘deadly,’ which can increase fear and anxiety.

  • Focus on providing clear and objective information without unnecessarily dramatising the event.

6. Humanise the Story

  • Whenever possible, humanise the victims by sharing positive aspects of their lives. This can help readers/viewers relate to the impact of the crash and promote empathy.

7. Contextualise the Reporting

  • Provide context on road safety statistics, causes of crashes, and preventative measures to help the public understand the broader picture.

  • Emphasise the importance of responsible driving and adhering to traffic laws.

8. Avoid Reckless Driving Visuals

  • Do not show images or videos of reckless driving, speeding, or other dangerous behaviour. Such visuals can inadvertently glamorise risky actions.

9. Avoid Victim Blaming

  • Refrain from blaming victims or assigning fault prematurely. The investigation process can be complex, and assumptions can be harmful.

10. Vehicular Homicide

  • Notwithstanding the outdated legal terminology for dangerous or aggravated driving occasioning death. Road deaths caused by a criminal act of reckless indifference should technically be considered ‘Vehicular Homicide’ like any other criminal act that results in death. Any descriptions should reflect the gravity of these crimes.