Police pause to remember lives lost on Dorset roads
Police and partners came together at Force Headquarters in Winfrith today, Wednesday 14 August 2024, to observe a minute’s silence in recognition of National Road Victim Month.
National Road Victim month is 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.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne and Inspector Joe Wheable of the Roads Policing Team were joined by Dorset Police colleagues, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and members of the Dorset Road Safety Partnership at the front of Force Headquarters this morning, observing a minute’s silence to pay tribute to victims of road collisions.
Inspector Wheable said: “Today we paused to reflect on those who have lost their lives or whose lives have been affected by road collisions, and to recognise the valuable work of all emergency services, who respond to collisions every day.
“Road collisions shatter lives, leaving behind a trail of devastation that affects families and friends of those involved.
“As a force, we are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions on our roads and will continue to work with partner agencies to educate drivers and to carry out proactive operations that target aspects of dangerous driving.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility. Please take time to look out for other road users – we don’t want to have to knock on any more doors to deliver the tragic news that a loved one isn’t coming home.”
In 2023, 15 people sadly lost their lives on Dorset roads and a further 258 were seriously injured.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “It is important to take a moment to pay tribute to those who have sadly lost their lives or had their lives impacted by road collisions.
“I fully recognise the devastation collisions cause to families and friends, and I also want to thank the emergency services including Dorset Police officers for their dedication in dealing with these incidents.
“I am dedicated to working with Dorset Police and other agencies to ensure robust action is taken to reduce the risk of harm to all Dorset road users.”
For more information about staying safe on the road, visit the Dorset Road Safe website: https://www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/
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