New research to examine unique challenges faced by victims of road traffic collisions

Victims of road traffic collisions are being encouraged to share their experiences of the criminal justice system and support services in a new survey launched by the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner.

The survey forms part of new research intended to assess how victims of road traffic collisions are treated by criminal justice agencies, identify what is working well, what isn’t, and whether improvements are needed.

Road traffic collision cases can involve complex and drawn-out investigations. Establishing whether an offence has been committed takes time, leaving victims uncertain about the progress and status of their case as well as the support available to them.

Research looking at the experiences of road traffic victims is limited and the decision to conduct dedicated research into this area follows hearing from both the road safety sector and from victims about the unique challenges they face when navigating the criminal justice system.

In 2024, reported road collisions in Great Britain resulted in an estimated 1,633 deaths and 27,904 serious injuries. Meanwhile, in the year ending March 2025, police recorded 2,020 unlawful driving offences causing death or serious injury across England and Wales – alongside the personal impact of physical harm, trauma and bereavement, victims are often required to navigate long and uncertain criminal justice processes.

To inform the research, the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner is launching a short online survey. The survey is open to victims of road traffic collisions in England and Wales or to close relatives of such victims. The team conducting the research are interested in hearing from these groups, regardless of whether a perpetrator was charged.

Participation is anonymous unless respondents interested in taking part in a follow-up interview consent to being contacted by the Victims’ Commissioner’s research team and provide their contact details. Any future report will ensure all victims are unidentifiable.

Insights gathered will help build a clearer picture of road traffic victims’ experiences and ensure future recommendations are rooted in their accounts.

Depending on the outcome of the survey and wider research, findings will be used to shape policy recommendations aimed at improving the experiences of victims of road traffic collisions.

• The survey, launching 25 September, can be accessed here.