DORSET Police alongside its partners observed a minute's silence in Winfrith for national road victim month.

Assistant chief constable Steve Lyne and inspector Joe Wheable of the roads policing team were joined by colleagues in Dorset Police and Dorset Police crime commissioner, David Sidwick, to remember those killed or injured on Dorset roads. 

Held at the front of the police's headquarters in Winfrith on August 14, the silence was held in recognition of National Road Victim Month and of the 15 people who died on Dorset roads in 2023.

Inspector Wheable said: “Today we paused to reflect on those who have lost their lives or whose lives have been affected by road collisions, and to recognise the valuable work of all emergency services, who respond to collisions every day.

“Road collisions shatter lives, leaving behind a trail of devastation that affects families and friends of those involved.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility. Please take time to look out for other road users – we don’t want to have to knock on any more doors to deliver the tragic news that a loved one isn’t coming home.”

National Road Victim Month is an annual campaign organised by charity, RoadPeace, to raise awareness about the number of people killed and seriously injured on UK roads every year.

RoadPeace claims an average of five people are killed and 80 seriously injured every day on roads in the UK.

Dorset Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick said: “It is important to take a moment to pay tribute to those who have sadly lost their lives or had their lives impacted by road collisions.

“I fully recognise the devastation collisions cause to families and friends, and I also want to thank the emergency services including Dorset Police officers for their dedication in dealing with these incidents.

“I am dedicated to working with Dorset Police and other agencies to ensure robust action is taken to reduce the risk of harm to all Dorset road users.”

For information on road safety, visit Dorset Road Safe's website.