More people are killed on the roads than through homicide, yet victims say road crime is not taken seriously

Bereaved families and injured victims of road traffic collisions say road crime is not treated with the seriousness it deserves, according to new research by the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales.

Very little research has examined the experiences of road traffic collision victims within the criminal justice system. Based on in-depth interviews with injured victims and bereaved families, this new report found many were left in limbo while police determined whether a road traffic collision would be treated as a crime, creating uncertainty about access to information, support and justice.

Victims faced lengthy police investigations, poor communication, court delays and difficulties accessing support following life-changing and fatal criminal collisions. They also described feeling excluded from court proceedings because of poor courtroom facilities and practical barriers, and many were dissatisfied with sentencing outcomes, particularly where a custodial sentence was not imposed following a fatal collision.

In the year ending June 2025, an estimated 29,896 people were killed or seriously injured on England and Wales' roads, including 1,579 fatalities - more than three times the number of people killed in homicides during the same period.

Despite the devastating impact of these incidents, victims repeatedly said they felt road crime was not treated with the same seriousness as other forms of lethal harm and that they received less recognition and support from the criminal justice system.

One bereaved family member told researchers:

“Road crime is not taken seriously, not at all. It’s not treated as a real crime and that’s the way you feel the whole way through.”

Another said:

“The criminal justice system has made a horrible, nightmarish situation more nightmarish and worse.”

The report found victims’ experiences often depended heavily on the individual police officers involved in the case. Where victims were supported by experienced Family Liaison Officers delivering trauma-informed care, experiences were markedly more positive. However, many others reported poor communication, long delays and feeling dismissed by the system.

Many victims reported lengthy investigations and poor communication. Some waited more than two months for witness statements to be taken, while it took an average of 372 days for police to record an outcome in investigations into causing death by driving offences. In some motoring cases, delays can result in the opportunity to bring criminal charges being lost altogether.

Unlike families bereaved through homicide, those bereaved by road traffic collisions are not eligible for support from the National Homicide Service. The report highlights the critical role specialist road traffic collision support organisations play in helping victims rebuild their lives, with many describing that support as "lifesaving". However, too many victims reported they were never directly referred to these services and instead found support through their own research or personal contacts.

A bereaved victim said:

“I have had some very, very dark times and I don't think I would still be here without her… They need more funding. Definitely need more funding. They do a fantastic job.”

The findings come after the surprise closure of RoadPeace in January 2026, raising concerns about the sustainability of specialist support provision. There is currently no dedicated national funding stream for specialist road traffic collision victim support services.

Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE said:

“Behind every road death or serious injury is a victim, a grieving family and lives changed forever. Yet too many victims told me they felt road crime was not treated with the seriousness it deserved and that the harm they had suffered mattered less than other serious crimes.

“Many spoke of lengthy investigations, poor communication, repeated delays and a lack of support at the very time they needed it most. Some were forced to fight for basic information, answers and recognition while trying to cope with unimaginable loss and trauma.

“These experiences are not inevitable. Where victims received trauma-informed support from dedicated Family Liaison Officers and specialist charities, the difference was profound. These examples show that a better, more compassionate approach is possible.”

“My report sets out practical recommendations to improve investigations, strengthen support and ensure that every victim of a road traffic collision is treated with the dignity, recognition and care they deserve.”

The report makes six formal recommendations to improve investigations, strengthen support services and improve victims' experiences throughout the criminal justice system.

Separately, the Victims' Commissioner is also calling on government, through the Police Reform Bill, to recognise roads policing as a specialist area of policing to improve consistency in investigations, victim support and standards across England and Wales.

Responding to the report’s findings, Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, the road safety charity, said:

“The report makes a compelling case for a more victim-centred approach, with timely and thorough investigations, stronger national standards, trauma-informed practice across all victim-facing agencies, and sustainable funding for specialist support services.”

Jamie Hassall, Executive Director of PACTS, said: 

“This report highlights what we have known for a long time – that road crime is not treated with the gravity it demands, and that road victims are swept aside by systemic failings of a process that is meant to support them.

“We welcome the report’s findings, in particular the call for secure and sustainable funding for specialist, trauma-informed support for road victims and their families. In addition, we must implement robust and seamless direct referral processes, so that victims have access to the practical and emotional support they need."

ENDS