We are victims, survivors, and advocates calling for honesty in how our loved ones’ deaths are defined. When someone is killed by impaired driving, drug poisoning, or reckless behavior, these are not “accidents”—they are preventable acts that demand recognition and accountability.

The Not an Accident Campaign (NAC) is a national alliance focused on reforming how coroners and public agencies classify preventable deaths. Our mission is to ensure that official records and public policies accurately reflect the true causes of these tragedies.

Our Vision

We envision a world where no preventable death is dismissed as an “accident” and where the justice system tells the truth and acts on it.

We challenge the language that obscures responsibility. These tragedies are not accidents; they are homicides resulting from reckless choices made with full awareness of their risks. 

A common misconception is that homicide requires intent. However, reckless behavior or disregard for human life can also constitute homicide. The law recognizes different degrees of homicide, reflecting varying levels of intent and responsibility.

Yet, many coroners continue to misclassify these deaths as “accidents,” relying on outdated definitions that distort the realities of criminal conduct. This misclassification is an injustice to victims and their families.

Our Petition: Classify Preventable Deaths Accurately 

We are advocating for a change in how preventable deaths are classified. Every year, thousands are inaccurately labeled as “accidents,” obscuring the truth and hindering meaningful action to prevent future deaths.

We believe:

• Every life matters: Victims of impaired driving and drug poisoning deserve recognition for what their deaths truly are: homicides.
• Truth and transparency are essential: Official records must reflect the circumstances surrounding these deaths to promote accountability and change.
• Education is vital: The public and policymakers must understand that these tragedies stem from preventable choices.

How We Work

• Policy Reform: We urge the National Association of Medical Examiners to revise their definitions to align with the realities faced by law enforcement and public health officials.
• Victim Support: Empowering families to challenge misclassifications and seek justice.
• Education: Promoting truthful language in media and public discourse.
• Research & Data: Gathering evidence to expose the impact of misclassified deaths on justice and prevention.

Get Involved: Sign the Petition Every voice counts! Join our advocacy network, share your story, and use #NotAnAccident on social media to spread awareness.

Our Promise: We will not stop until every coroner, every death certificate, and every news headline tells the truth. Because victims deserve the truth, and the world needs to hear it.

Candace Lighter, Founder
We Save Lives
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Author, “Giving Sorrow Words: How to Cope with Grief and Get On with Your Life”