Support from the police for the families of victims of fatal collisions will usually be provided by specially trained Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) who have volunteered to take on this role to help families at this difficult time. They are able to provide details and share information in relation to the investigation, inquest or any subsequent court case, and will support family members throughout these often lengthy and complex processes. In addition, they are also able to signpost people to other specialist help and support recognising that bereavement affects people in different ways.
In Sussex we have recently launched a project to provide an Independent Road Victim Advocate (IRVA) who can offer additional emotional and practical support working alongside police colleagues as part of a tailored network at a time when even day to day tasks can be overwhelming for people who have lost loved ones.
We must continue to work together in to prevent harm. This includes taking personal responsibility for how we behave as road users.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, NPCC for Roads Policing
It is essential that we continue to work together in order to prevent harm and save lives on the roads, and this also includes taking personal responsibility for how we behave as a road user.
As the NPCC lead for Road Policing, I am always very grateful to charities such as Brake who are invaluable in supporting those families, such as my own, who are impacted by road death.
Together we can make a difference. Thank you for what YOU do, in whatever way.
This blog was written for Road Safety Week 2024, by Chief Constable Jo Shiner. The theme of Road Safety Week is After the crash – Every road victim counts. Click here to find out more and sign up to take part.
Views expressed in blogs are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Brake, the road safety charity, or its employees.