Every August, we observe National Road Victim Month. It’s a time to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents. Behind each statistic is a real person. A life lost. A family shattered.

Why August?

The month of August was chosen for this important remembrance for two significant reasons:

• Princess Diana died in a car crash on August 31, 1997, a moment that shook the world
• Bridget Driscoll, the first recorded road traffic fatality in the UK, was killed in August 1896

These dates serve as a powerful reminder that road deaths are not just modern tragedies, but they continue to happen every single day.

The statistics

According to recent government data:

• Over 1,700 people are killed on UK roads every year
• That’s an average of nearly 5 deaths every single day
• More than 27,000 suffer serious injuries

These numbers are heartbreaking and behind each one is a grieving family, a lost future, and a community in mourning.

The human cost

As personal injury lawyers, we work closely with grieving families every day. We see the pain that comes from losing a loved one in what is always a completely avoidable incident. It’s important to remember the people behind the statistics:

• The elderly grandmother coming home from her weekly bingo
• The young woman on her way to start a new life in another country
• The child coming home from school with her mum 
• The friends driving home after a night out
• The father coming home after a long shift
• The mother travelling home for a precious weekend with her family

These are lives with stories, dreams, and families. People gone too soon because of road crashes.

Working for safer roads - RoadPeace

RoadPeace , a national charity for road crash victims, founded National Road Victim Month . Their mission is to support victims and their families, advocate for justice, and push for safer roads. RoadPeace reminds us that road crashes are not "accidents", they are preventable events with devastating consequences.

RoadPeace offers emotional support for grieving families and arranges memorials and remembrance events throughout August. They also campaign for tougher sentencing and safer driving laws.

How can you help?

• Drive responsibly: avoid distractions, never drive under the influence, and obey speed limits
• Support RoadPeace and other road safety charities
• Share this message to raise awareness during National Road Victim Month
• Take a moment to remember those who have died, and support their families

This August, let’s not just remember, let’s take action. Road deaths are not inevitable. With care, attention, and commitment, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a road traffic incident, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and your voice matters.

For expert legal advice and assistance, call 0800 138 0458, email help@switalskis.com or fill out the form below.