Families of road crash victims share harrowing failures as damning report demands change

Families of road crash victims have voiced deep frustration over systemic failures in the handling of their cases, as a new report by the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales highlights widespread shortcomings in the treatment of road crime. The findings reveal that grieving families often face prolonged delays, inadequate support, and a lack of transparency, exacerbating their trauma. The report, released by Claire Waxman, underscores that road fatalities and serious injuries are frequently met with insufficient attention compared to other types of crimes. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 1,579 individuals lost their lives on UK roads, while over 25,000 sustained severe injuries. These figures highlight the scale of the issue, yet the emotional toll on families remains largely unaddressed. Joan and Mike O’Connor, parents of Liam, a 20-year-old rugby player who died after being struck by a taxi in 2023, described their ordeal as deeply distressing. Their son died following a collision on a pedestrian crossing, and despite a 15-month police investigation, no charges were filed against the driver. The couple expressed feeling abandoned and re-traumatised throughout the process, particularly during Liam’s inquest when ambulance footage was played without prior notice. “After losing our child in such a devastating and traumatic manner, you’d think nothing else can be as bad,” Joan and Mike said. “But our experience of the criminal justice system heaped layer after layer of injustice upon us and re-traumatised us at every stage.” They noted that the lack of control over how they received information added to their suffering, describing the situation as akin to being treated as “second-class victims.” Similarly, Louise Liddle recounted her grief after her husband, John, was fatally struck by a minibus in 2023. She described feeling let down by the system, even though she believed the police were supportive. Despite repeated appeals, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue charges against the driver. Red tape limited the ability of authorities to act swiftly, including preventing the suspension of the driver’s license until the investigation concluded. “Red tape meant the police weren’t able to interview the bus driver for nine weeks, and they didn’t have the power to suspend his driving licence pending the outcome of the investigation,” Louise explained. “He returned to work straight away, driving minibuses past my house every day. That was incredibly traumatic and I had to move away from the area as a result.” The report calls for urgent reforms, including stronger oversight of road collision investigations, mandatory training for police officers dealing with traumatized families, and funding for specialized victim support services. Claire Waxman emphasized that behind each road fatality lies a family devastated by loss, yet these victims are often overlooked in terms of support and recognition. The findings reflect a growing concern among families and advocates that road crime is not receiving the level of attention it warrants. As more cases come to light, pressure mounts on policymakers to address the gaps in the current system and ensure that those affected receive the care and justice they deserve.