Over half a million deaths

With people dying on Britain’s roads every day, this National Road Victim Month we all need to think about road safety

- ANNA MATHESON

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.