Bill > A07511

This bill systematically replaces every instance of the word "accident" with the word "crash" across multiple sections of New York State vehicle and traffic law and other related laws. The comprehensive legislative effort aims to change the terminology surrounding motor vehicle incidents, potentially reflecting a perspective that the term "accident" implies an unavoidable or random occurrence, while "crash" suggests a more deliberate or preventable event. The bill amends dozens of sections across various laws, including the vehicle and traffic law, insurance law, education law, and others, ensuring that the term "crash" is consistently used instead of "accident" in contexts related to motor vehicle incidents, reporting requirements, insurance provisions, and safety regulations. By making this linguistic shift, the bill may subtly encourage a more proactive approach to road safety, emphasizing that many vehicle incidents are not truly accidental but can often be prevented through careful driving, better road design, and enhanced safety measures. The changes are technical in nature and do not alter the substantive legal provisions, but instead focus on standardizing the terminology used throughout New York State's legal codes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7511