Dorset Police to hold a minute’s silence as part of National Road Victim month
Throughout August, Dorset Police are supporting National Road Victim month – an annual campaign organised by national charity, RoadPeace - to raise awareness about the number of people killed and seriously injured in UK road collisions.
In statistics shared on their website, RoadPeace state that an average of five people are killed and 80 seriously injured each day as a result of collisions on UK roads.
In 2023, 15 people sadly lost their lives on Dorset roads and a further 258 were seriously injured.
To pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, or whose lives have been affected by a collision, Dorset Police will be holding a minute’s silence at its Headquarters on 14 August, led by Head of Operations, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne, and supported by Inspector Joe Wheable of the Roads Policing team.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said: "Our officers have seen, first-hand, the devastating impact collisions have on the families and friends of those involved.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and the last thing our officers want to do is knock on any more doors to tell someone a loved one isn't coming home.
“On 14 August, officers and staff across the force will unite to reflect on those who have sadly lost their lives in collisions in Dorset, and across the UK.
“During National Road Victim Month, we are also reminded of our commitment to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions. This is a force priority and we will continue to work with partner agencies to remove dangerous drivers from our roads.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick explained: “Enhancing road safety is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am working with Dorset Police to ensure they use all tools at their disposal to keep dangerous drivers and unfit cars off our roads. It is my intention, as I continue into second term as Commissioner to lobby the government for tougher sanctions for dangerous and anti-social motorists, to lower the legal limit of alcohol consumption for drivers and robustly target drug driving.
“Last year, 15 people sadly lost their lives on Dorset roads and 258 people were seriously injured. Such loss and injury can have a devastating impact and that is why I am dedicated to working with Dorset Police and other agencies to do all I can to ensure action is taken to reduce the risk of harm to everyone using Dorset’s roads.”
Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace, said: “A shocking five people are killed and 80 are seriously injured, on average, on the UK’s roads each day. These crashes are especially heart-breaking because most of them can be prevented.
“For more than 30 years, RoadPeace has supported countless families through unimaginable trauma and grief following a road crash. They didn’t ever think that they would be a crash victim, but tragically, the reality is that it can happen to anyone.
“We are very grateful to Dorset Police for supporting National Road Victim Month 2024 and for helping RoadPeace to raise awareness about the many needless deaths and injuries that occur every single day on our roads.”
Throughout August, RoadPeace will be sharing members’ stories on social media, amplifying their voices as part of the National Road Victim campaign.
Further information relating to road safety can be found on the Dorset Road Safe website: https://www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/
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