National Road Victim Month 1st – 31st August
16th August 2024
by Molly Myers, Assistant Psychologist
Photo by Mae Dulay on Unsplash
As a practice that specialises in neuropsychology, we are all too familiar with the devastating and often permanent physical and psychological effects road traffic incidents have on patients. Research shows that road traffic incidents are one of the leading causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in the UK, especially in young adults. That is why during the month of August we want to highlight the efforts of RoadPeace, an organisation that established National Road Victim Month in 1998.
“RoadPeace is the national charity for road crash victims in the UK. We provide information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes and engage in evidence-based policy and campaigning work to fight for justice for victims and reduce road danger.” (Road Peace 2024)
The campaign is also supported by Road Safety GB who report that National Road Victim Month kicks off on 1st August, and aims to raise awareness about the fact that:
Every day in the UK, five people are killed and around 80 are seriously injured, on average, in road collisions.
Since records began in 1926, over 500,000 people have been killed in UK road crashes.
In 2022 alone, 1,766 people were reported killed and 141,560 people were reported injured in collisions on UK roads.
Further to supporting victims of road collisions, Road Peace also recognises the work of the emergency services and calls attention to the physical and psychological impact that responding to road crashes have on them.
Throughout National Road Victim Month 2024, Road Peace will be sharing members’ stories and amplifying their voices as part of their social media campaign. Click here to visit the Road Peace website and learn more about National Road Victim Month 2024.
Brain Injury Association: Headway
“Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services…a brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, Headway is here to help.”
Click here to visit the Headway website for further information and support for brain injury.
Sources:
Lawrence, T., Helmy, A., Bouamra, O., Woodford, M., Lecky, F. and Hutchinson, P.J. (2016). Traumatic brain injury in England and Wales: prospective audit of epidemiology, complications and standardised mortality. BMJ Open, [online] 6(11), p.e012197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012197.
https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/show-your-support-for-national-road-victim-month-2024/