Families of road victims to be offered extra support

The families of victims of fatal road incidents are to be offered specialist support under a new initiative.

The project in Sussex will see relatives of those killed or seriously injured receive additional emotional and practical support.

Working with road safety charity Brake, a dedicated Independent Road Victim Advocate (IRVA) post will be funded at a cost of £60,000.

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, said the aim was to "provide families who are going through unimaginable distress" with a "specialist and tailored support network".

Ross Moorlock, chief executive of Brake, said: "Being able to access specialist, trauma-informed support delivered by our national road victim service makes such a difference."

There were 45 fatal collisions in Sussex last year, according to Sussex Police, and hundreds more UK-wide.

The IRVA will help with day-to-day tasks that can become overwhelming for people who have lost a loved one, Ms Bourne said.

These include "helping people to manage their finances such as rent, pensions and claiming entitlements, as well as seeking and using lawyers and understanding procedures such as court cases".

Chris Try died after being hit by a car whilst out running in March 2023.

His wife, Carol, said Brake had been a big support to her and a "lifeline" to people dealing with bereavement.

"Brake has helped me by issuing a case worker who has talked with me about the accident and how it has affected me," she said.

"They have also provided me with support routes for counselling and helped give me the tools to carry on."

The IRVA role will support the work Sussex Police already does to help victims and their families.

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