Many people are bereaved each year due to road casualties, though the rate in the UK is lower than in many other countries. In 2010, 1,850 people died on the roads in Great Britain - 835 in car crashes, 403 on motorbikes and 111 using a bicycle and there were 405 pedestrian deaths (see ‘
Pedestrian deaths’ and for more details see
www.dft.gov.uk).
Hearing the news that a friend or relative has been killed is deeply shocking (also see ‘Changing emotions and physical reactions’). Cynthia’s daughter was riding her bicycle when she was hit by a cement truck.
Sarah’s husband, Russell, had been driving a bus when he was killed. The driver of another vehicle pulled out suddenly and caused the incident.
Pat’s son was killed on his motor bike. He was overtaking a line of cars. The driver of the car in front did not see Matthew before she turned right across the road.
Peter’s son, Tim, was killed in a car crash. He was in a friend's car. The friend was drunk, lost control and the car hit a tree. Tim died at the scene.
Some people were very angry and blamed others for the death of their friend or relative (see ‘
Changing emotions and physical reactions’). However, others were convinced that their child, partner, or other relative's death had been an accident and that no one else was to blame.
Car journeys are more dangerous than rail journeys, but one train crash can cause many deaths and injuries. Major train crashes in the UK include one at Potters Bar, on 10 May 2002. On that day seven people died when a train was derailed. Nina and her husband, Austen, were on the train. Austen was killed and she was seriously injured.
In July 1995 Godfrey’s son, Adrian, was seriously injured as he tried to board a train. The train was leaving the station as Adrian tried to open a door. He fell and hit his head, and was taken to the local teaching hospital, where he died in the intensive care unit.
Last reviewed October 2011.
Last updated October 2011.
