Dorset Police will hold a minute’s silence next Wednesday to pay tribute to victims of road collisions.
The force is supporting National Road Victim month during August.
The annual campaign raises awareness about the number of people killed and seriously injured in UK road collisions.
According to the national charity RoadPeace, an average of five people are killed – and 80 seriously injured – each day as a result of collisions on UK roads.
In 2023, 15 people died on Dorset roads and a further 258 were seriously injured.
The minute’s silence at Dorset Police’s headquarters is on August 14.
It will led by Head of Operations, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne and supported by Inspector Joe Wheable of the Roads Policing team.
ACC Lyne said: “Our officers have seen, first-hand, the devastating impact collisions have on the families and friends of those involved.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and the last thing our officers want to do is knock on any more doors to tell someone a loved one isn’t coming home.
“On 14 August, officers and staff across the force will unite to reflect on those who have sadly lost their lives in collisions in Dorset and across the UK.
“During National Road Victim Month, we are also reminded of our commitment to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions.
“This is a force priority and we will continue to work with partner agencies to remove dangerous drivers from our roads.”
Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace, said: “A shocking five people are killed and 80 are seriously injured, on average, on the UK’s roads each day.
“These crashes are especially heart-breaking because most of them can be prevented.
“For more than 30 years, RoadPeace has supported countless families through unimaginable trauma and grief following a road crash.
“They didn’t ever think that they would be a crash victim but, tragically, the reality is that it can happen to anyone.
“We are very grateful to Dorset Police for supporting National Road Victim Month 2024 and for helping RoadPeace to raise awareness about the many needless deaths and injuries that occur every single day on our roads.”
Further information about road safety can be found on the Dorset Road Safe website: https://www.dorsetroadsafe.