Not an Accident

When someone is killed by impaired driving, drug poisoning, or reckless behavior, it is not an accident, it is a preventable act that deserves truth, accuracy, recognition, and clarity.

The Not an Accident Campaign (NAC) is a national alliance dedicated to reforming how coroners, medical examiners, and public agencies classify preventable deaths. We work to ensure that official records, public policies, and media reporting reflect the real cause, not a misleading or arbitrary label.

Our Mission

To secure truth, transparency, precision, and justice in the classification of preventable deaths.

Our Vision

A world where no preventable death is dismissed as an “accident.”

A justice system that tells the truth and acts on it.

A society that honors every victim with honesty, dignity, and change.

That’s why We Save Lives, in partnership with Stop Drug Homicide, launched the Not an Accident campaign. Our mission is to confront and reframe the language that obscures accountability in tragic incidents. We will educate the public, media, and policymakers that these events are not mere accidents; they are the direct result of criminal and preventable choices made with full awareness of their risks and a blatant disregard for human life.

These tragedies should be recognized for what they truly are: homicides. Together, we can advocate for change, ensuring that justice is served and that lives are saved.

People across the country are signing the Petition to Classify Preventable Deaths Accurately. They want everyone to know that coroners, medical examiners, and public agencies should honor the lives lost by ensuring their deaths are recognized accurately and work together to prevent future tragedies.

Statistics show:

In the United States, drug poisonings (drug overdoses) have resulted in over 100,000 deaths annually in recent years, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being the primary driver. However, The CDC has repeatedly indicated that official drug overdose and fentanyl-involved death numbers are likely underestimates because of reporting delays and data limitations.

In 2023, impaired driving motor vehicle crashes resulted in 15,704 fatalities in the United States. This includes 3,275 individuals who were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's important to note that distracted driving statistics may be underreported due to various challenges in data collection. Among these tragic incidents, approximately 12,429 deaths were linked specifically to alcohol-impaired driving.

Understanding the Statistics

Many tragic deaths are recorded as "accidents" on death certificates, yet these labels often mask the truth behind the statistics. A significant number of crashes are caused by individuals making dangerous driving choices, such as driving under the influence or recklessly. These are not mere accidents; they are the consequences of conscious decisions that disregard the safety of others.

Similarly, the rise in drug poisonings, particularly those involving deadly substances like fentanyl, reflects a broader issue. While individuals may use drugs, they are often unaware of the lethal substances mixed in, like fentanyl, that can turn a moment of choice into a death sentence. The dealers who choose to distribute these harmful drugs are the ones making the dangerous decisions that ultimately lead to loss of life.

It’s essential to shift our perspective and language around these issues. By recognizing these deaths for what they are—homicides resulting from reckless choices—we can advocate for accountability, justice, and meaningful change.

Exciting News: Introducing California Senate Bill 1071!

We are proud to announce the launch of Senate Bill 1071, a critical step toward justice and accountability in our state. This groundbreaking legislation aims to provide a legal mechanism that allows for the amendment of the manner of death on death certificates following a court judgment.

Why This Matters:

• SB 1071 ensures that deaths resulting from homicide are accurately classified, preventing them from being labeled as mere "accidents."
• Families deserve the truth about how their loved ones died. This bill honors their pain and recognizes the responsibility of those who commit these acts.
• By aligning death certificates with legal findings, we strengthen the message that reckless and harmful choices have serious consequences.

Together, we can work towards a system that reflects the truth of these tragic events. Join us in supporting SB 1071 as we advocate for justice and strive to change the narrative surrounding these heartbreaking losses.

Stay tuned for updates on our progress!

What You Can Do!

Actions for Coalition Partners:

1. Advocate Publicly:

• Use social media platforms to raise awareness about SB 1071 and its importance.
• Share personal stories or statistics that highlight the need for accurate death classifications.
• Our toolkit includes downlaodable social media graphics for your use.

1. Contact Legislators:

• Encourage your members to reach out to their local representatives to express support for the bill.
• Organize letter-writing or email campaigns to legislators, emphasizing the bill's significance.
•    Submit your letters of support to the Senate Health Committee by 12pm PDT on March 31st. Instructions are on the website https://shea.senate.ca.gov or you can visit Not an Accident [notanaccident.info]
• Senate Health Committee [shea.senate.ca.gov]: email SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov
• Next stop after the Health Committee: Senate Judiciary Committee [sjud.senate.ca.gov]: email sjud.fax@sen.ca.gov No date set yet but submit your letters now to get ahead!  
• You will find samples of letters to send here. Please send copies of your letters to info@wesavelives.org. We will thank you publicly on social media!

1. Attend Legislative Hearings:

• Mobilize members to attend hearings or committee meetings related to SB 1071 to show community support.
• Prepare testimonies or statements that can be shared during these events.

The first hearing is April 8th at 1:30 pm at 1021 O Street, Room 1200 before the Senate Committee on Health, chair Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. Please attend and show your support!

Together, We Can Make a Difference!

By taking these steps, you not only support SB 1071 but also stand up for justice and accountability for families affected by these tragedies. Every action counts, and together, our voices can create the change we need.

Join us in this crucial fight for truth and justice!

For more information, resources, and updates, visit our website at Not an Accident or contact us at info@wesavelives.org.

Thank you for your commitment to this important cause!

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