National Road Victims Month

Which month do you think the most road traffic accidents occur?  You might expect the answer to be one of the winter months because ice and snow increase the risks to road users. However, it is August that usually sees more fatalities on UK roads than any other month.

For this reason, road traffic accident charity RoadPeace recognise August as National Road Victims Month. Every August Roadpeace aim to raise awareness of the devastating effects of road traffic accidents and promote road safety.

August increases the likelihood of road traffic accidents due to two main reasons:

• More vehicles on the road due to holidaymakers
• Children are off school and out and about with friends, meaning more pedestrians

During the summer holidays, it’s important that parents remind their children of the importance of the Green Cross Code.

Another reason why RoadPeace chose August as their month to raise awareness is it is the month in which a number of notable road traffic deaths occurred. These include Bridget O’Driscoll who on 17th August 1896, was the first person to be killed by a car in the UK and Princess Diana who tragically died in Paris on 31st August 1997.

Unfortunately, there were 1,730 reported road fatalities in the UK in 2015 (2016 figures not available until September). An additional 22,144 people suffered serious injuries. While these figures are down 3% than the figures for 2014, there is a still a way to go to reduce the number of deaths on the road further. There was a total of 186, 189 causalities of all severities in 2015 which is 4% lower than 2014 and the second lowest level on record.

RoadPeace holds a number of events throughout August. The charity hopes that these will educate members of the public on the impact of road traffic accidents and will help to remember those who have lost their lives on the road.

On 12th August, a memorial service will be held at RoadPeace Wood at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. On 31st August, the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, the Diana Memorial will be held at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. RoadPeace also encourages people to leave flowers and wreaths at the sites of accidents, where safe to do so, in the coming weeks.