Victims of road crime feel ‘forgotten by system’, official review finds
An official review found that victims of road crime in England and Wales feel neglected by the justice system, believing their suffering is not taken as seriously as other serious crimes.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman, has published a report revealing that individuals and families impacted by criminal driving incidents feel marginalized and unsupported by the legal system. They experience significant delays, lack of information, and dissatisfaction with outcomes, despite road fatalities outnumbering homicides.
Imagine if someone accidentally broke your favorite toy, but then the grown-ups took a super long time to figure out what happened, didn't tell you anything, and then didn't really make things right. That's how people who get hurt or lose family members in bad car crashes, where someone was driving dangerously, feel about the justice system. They think their hurt isn't taken seriously, and they don't get the help they need.
Analysis
Claire Waxman
Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman's official review has brought to light a profound sense of neglect among those affected by road crime in England and Wales. Her findings indicate that many victims feel their suffering is not afforded the same gravity as harm from other serious crimes, leading to a perception of being 'forgotten by the system' designed to support them.
The report, based on direct interviews with injured victims and bereaved families, details a litany of systemic failures. These include protracted police investigations, inadequate communication from authorities, persistent court delays, and significant difficulties in accessing crucial support services during times of immense trauma and loss. Victims often had to actively fight for basic information and recognition, compounding their distress.
30,000 people
The sheer scale of the issue underscores the urgency of the commissioner's findings. In the year leading up to June 2025, nearly 30,000 individuals were either killed or seriously injured on roads across England and Wales. This figure includes 1,579 fatalities, a number more than three times higher than the total homicides recorded during the same period, highlighting the devastating impact of road incidents.
Crucially, an estimated 25-30% of these collisions are attributed to criminal driving, encompassing offences such as driving under the influence of drink or drugs, or excessive speeding. Despite this significant criminal element, the justice process often fails to provide timely support or satisfactory outcomes, leaving victims feeling that the harm they endured is somehow devalued compared to other criminal acts.
Brake
The road safety charity Brake has voiced its strong support for the report, expressing hope that it will serve as a vital catalyst for much-needed change. Ross Moorlock, the chief executive, emphasized that the charity daily witnesses the profound devastation experienced by victims, often exacerbated by a criminal justice process that inadvertently inflicts further trauma rather than offering solace and resolution.
Similarly, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) welcomed the report, with executive director Jamie Hassall noting that the victim testimonies make a compelling case for a more victim-centred approach. Both organizations advocate for timely and thorough investigations, the establishment of stronger national standards, the implementation of trauma-informed practices across all victim-facing agencies, and sustainable funding for specialist support services to ensure all victims receive the care they need.
Key points
- Victims of road crime in England and Wales feel "forgotten by the system" and that their suffering is not taken seriously.
- The review by Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman found issues including lengthy investigations, poor communication, court delays, and lack of support.
- Almost 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in England and Wales in the year to June 2025, with fatalities three times higher than homicides.
- Road safety charities like Brake and PACTS welcome the report and urge the government to implement reforms for a more victim-centred approach.
- Recommendations include stronger national standards, oversight, accountability for investigations, and trauma-informed training for police.
If the government implements the commissioner's recommendations, including stronger national standards, improved police training, and better access to specialist support, victims could experience a more compassionate and efficient justice process. This could lead to greater trust in the system and better recovery outcomes for those affected by road crime.
Without significant government action and funding, the systemic failings highlighted in the report are likely to persist, leaving thousands of road crime victims feeling continuously forgotten and unsupported. This could exacerbate trauma, prolong recovery, and further erode public confidence in the criminal justice system's ability to deliver fairness and care.
