Last year, 1,870 people in the UK died as a result of road traffic incidents, leaving parents without children and families without sisters and brothers. The month of August is National Road Victim Month, designated by charity RoadPeace. The charity aims to remember victims of road incidents and raise awareness about the importance of road safety, because it’s not just those who lose their lives that are affected. Studies show there is often a long-term psychological impact on survivors and families who are bereaved. Recent data suggests that nearly 95% of victims suffered with symptoms of PTSD after a crash, while 30% reported feeling suicidal. So, taking time to listen to the stories of survivors and checking in on our road safety is imperative. By doing so, we may save someone’s life.
‘My son’s death was avoidable’
Alice Husband, 46, lost her son Seth, seven, in a road accident in 2014
Every single day I think about Seth’s senseless death after being hit by a car outside our house in Tydd Gote, Cambridgeshire, in December 2014. I’d only asked him to post a letter in the postbox across the road. Seth knew about road safety, but, nonetheless, I reminded him to look both ways before he crossed. Five minutes later, I was alerted to commotion, and found Seth lying on the road, blood spilling from his head.
After two horrific weeks, doctors at Addenbrooke’s Hospital confirmed he was brain dead and, after being taken off life support, Seth slipped away. His brothers Jake, then 10, and Oli, 14, were inconsolable, as was I. Yet, as we discovered what had happened, I knew I couldn’t wallow in grief – I had to act.
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2020 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS
Pauline Campbell, 59, refused to let her childhood marked with racism stop her from achieving her dreams
Jennifer Saunders 'WE JUST HAD THE BEST TIME'
The Absolutely Fabulous star on her hit sitcom… When the first episode of Absolutely Fabulous aired on BBC2 on 12 November 1992, it introduced viewers to the Bolly-fuelled antics of self-obsessed PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and her chain-smoking pal Patsy Stone, played by Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley.
HOLIDAY IN HANOI
With its charming buildings and green spaces, Vietnam's capital city deserves a place on your bucket list
Who is better behind the wheel?
Most men believe they are the stronger driver in their relationship, according to a new study...
52 ADVENTURES IN 52 WEEKS!
Jessica Last, 36, believes you don't have to step on a plane to have a trip of a lifetime
CHILDREN IN CRISIS
With the number of homeless children in the UK at a record high, how can we help kids with no place to call home?
A SHARPER BRAIN IN 7 DAYS
Beat foggy thinking and supercharge your memory with these easy lifestyle tweaks
MUM'S PRECIOUS GIFTS
When Genevieve Kingston's mother learnt she was dying, she found a poignant way to marh her children's milestones
KILLED BY OUR NEIGHBOUR
Laura Sugden, 34, always knew the man living next door was trouble
THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!
With plummeting viewing figures and facing a mounting backlash, could Cat Deeley be ready to quit the ITV show?