POLICE officers across Dorset are holding a minute’s silence in tribute to National Road Victim Month.

Data from RoadPeace states that on average five people are killed and 80 seriously injured as a result of crashes on UK roads.

In 2023, 15 people sadly lost their lives on Dorset roads and a further 258 were seriously injured.

Now, in honour of the victims, Dorset Police officers are paying tribute to those who lost their lives or who were affected by the collisions by holding a minute’s silence at its headquarters on August 14, led by head of operations, assistant chief constable Steve Lyne, and supported by Inspector Joe Wheable of the Roads Policing team.

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.

“During National Road Victim Month, we are also reminded of our commitment to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick added: “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.”

Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace, said: “A shocking five people are killed and 80 are seriously injured, on average, on the UK’s roads each day. These crashes are especially heart-breaking because most of them can be prevented.

“We are very grateful to Dorset Police for supporting National Road Victim Month 2024 and for helping RoadPeace to raise awareness about the many needless deaths and injuries that occur every single day on our roads.”

Further information relating to road safety can be found on the Dorset Road Safe website: https://www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/