Dorset Police remembering road death victims
A minute's silence is being held at the force's HQ today (14th August)
Dorset Police is honouring those who've been killed in road traffic collisions, by holding a minute's silence at their headquarters today (Wednesday 14th August).
The memorial comes during the National Road Victim Month throughout August.
National charity RoadPeace say an average of five people are killed and 80 seriously injured each day as a result of collisions on UK roads.
In 2023, 15 people lost their lives on Dorset roads, with a further 258 were seriously injured.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said:
"Our officers have seen, first-hand, the devastating impact collisions have on the families and friends of those involved.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and the last thing our officers want to do is knock on any more doors to tell someone a loved one isn't coming home.
“On 14th August, officers and staff across the force will unite to reflect on those who have sadly lost their lives in collisions in Dorset, and across the UK.
“During National Road Victim Month, we are also reminded of our commitment to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions. This is a force priority and we will continue to work with partner agencies to remove dangerous drivers from our roads.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said:
“Enhancing road safety is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am working with Dorset Police to ensure they use all tools at their disposal to keep dangerous drivers and unfit cars off our roads. It is my intention, as I continue into second term as Commissioner to lobby the government for tougher sanctions for dangerous and anti-social motorists, to lower the legal limit of alcohol consumption for drivers and robustly target drug driving.
“Last year, 15 people sadly lost their lives on Dorset roads and 258 people were seriously injured. Such loss and injury can have a devastating impact and that is why I am dedicated to working with Dorset Police and other agencies to do all I can to ensure action is taken to reduce the risk of harm to everyone using Dorset’s roads.”