Police officers from Cleveland and Durham joined representatives from RoadPeace North East to launch a new guide for victims and families of road collisions outside of Durham Cathedral.

Members of RoadPeace North East pictured with police officers from Cleveland and Durham, at the launch the newroad safety guide.
Members of RoadPeace North East join police officers from Cleveland and Durham, and John and Janet Thompson, to launch the new safety guide.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger and Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, joined RoadPeace North East, road policing officers and families who have lost loved ones on the roads in the region at the official launch of the new RoadPeace North East guide. 

RoadPeace North East provides professional and peer support to families in the immediate aftermath of a serious or fatal road crash. We are grateful to our partners in the police for backing the guide and ensuring it will be made available to families in need across the North East to support our work.

David Robinson chairman of RoadPeace North East and serious injury lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors

RoadPeace North East collaborated with Durham and Cleveland PCCs on the booklet which offers a full range of practical information and guidance to families in the wake of a road crash. 

David Robinson, chairman of RoadPeace North East and serious injury lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors said: “We chose to launch the guide on 21 June to coincide with the summer solstice – when accidents increase due to the warmer dryer weather, seeing more cyclists and pedestrians on the roads, along with sadly a rise in drink driving. 

“RoadPeace North East provides professional and peer support to families in the immediate aftermath of a serious or fatal road crash. We are grateful to our partners in the police for backing the guide and ensuring it will be made available to families in need across the North East to support our work.” 

John and Janet Thompson’s son, Jake, died when a lorry struck him on a level crossing. John said: “When it first happened, we didn’t know where to turn or what to expect – fortunately we met David through Thompsons Solicitors who was able to explain everything and together, we went on to form RoadPeace North East. This guide will be a real lifeline to bereaved families struggling to navigate a new world of police, inquests and the legal system.” 

“The RoadPeace North East guide offers lots of practical information and advice for families of those who have lost their lives on the road,” said Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner.

RoadPeace’s safety guide aims to limit the number of serious injuries and fatalities that occur as a result of road traffic accidents.
The booklet has been launched to coincide with the summer solstice, a time when road traffic accidents tend to increase.

“While we do everything we can to protect vulnerable road users, it’s invaluable to be able to share this booklet in the event of a tragic road collision. Cleveland and Durham’s police forces work closely with RoadPeace North East and we are committed to supporting this most worthwhile cause,” added Barry Coppinger, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland.