Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, has commissioned the bereavement and support service ‘Brake’ in Cumbria for three years for victims and families of road traffic collisions.
The PCC’s commissioning of the service falls in National Road Victims Month that aims to remember those who lost their lives or have been injured in a roads accident and raise awareness on road safety across the UK.
In the past 12 months, 26 people have been killed and a further 1077 were injured on Cumbrian roads due to dangerous driving. With dangerous driving being one of the biggest concerns for residents in Cumbria, PCC Peter McCall aimed to provide support to victims and family members of those killed in driving accidents across the county.
Brake provides specialist support to those affected by road accidents in partnership with the police. Families and individuals affected by an accident will be visited by the Police and provided with a guidance pack with information on Brake and their contact details.
The affected can then contact Brake and will be given tailored support by their helpline officer based on the needs of the caller. Support can range from linking in with local health and social care services, local charities, explaining legal practices for court visits, if applicable, and help with understanding of legal documents regarding wills and finances. Brake provides support for as long as it is needed by caller.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Anti-social driving is one of the biggest issues residents of Cumbria raise with me.
“In my role as PCC, it is my job to take these concerns to the Chief Constable and help tackle road crime numbers and support victims of all crimes.
“National Road Victims Month is a time to remember those who have been injured or lost their lives on the road.
“These deaths are tragic and these accidents are completely avoidable by driving to conditions and following the laws that are in place to protect us all.
“But we know that road accidents do happen and although the police are constantly trying to reduce these numbers, there has to be a service available to support those who have been affected by dangerous driving which is why I commissioned Brake for Cumbria.
“Brake is a fantastic service that I know will support anyone affected by a road accident.
“Anyone who feels that they could benefit from Brake, please call their helpline on 0808 8000 401.”
