POLICE have released a film which highlights the dangers of speeding and grief it can cause as it marks Road Safety Week - which runs until November 24.

The national campaign is led by road safety charity, Brake, and this year it is themed ‘After the crash: Every road victim counts.’ The initiative highlights the immense toll of road crashes on families, friends, and entire communities, while calling for the highest standards of care for every road victim.

Avon and Somerset Police have released a film which shares the story of Lorraine Barrow, whose life was tragically cut short in a collision just outside her home near Blackford, Somerset, on the evening of September 17, 2020, leaving behind a devastated family and community.

Lorraine, an experienced cyclist, was struck by a car traveling at a minimum of 44mph on a road with a 30mph speed limit. The driver said they were blinded by low sunlight and did not see Lorraine or her bicycle in time to avoid the collision. Lorraine suffered severe head injuries as a result and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lorraine’s husband, Chris Barrow, reflects on the loss of his partner of 38 years, speaking candidly about the grief that follows such a tragedy and urging drivers to take responsibility for road safety by observing speed limits.

In Avon and Somerset alone, 46 people have lost their lives on the road in 2024. The majority of these deaths, like Lorraine’s, were preventable and linked to what police describe as the fatal five: 

Avon and Somerset Police are dedicated to reducing these numbers through education and enforcement.

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, head of roads policing and road safety, commented on the importance of this year’s campaign: “The numbers are stark – 46 people have lost their lives on Avon and Somerset’s roads this year alone, and nationally, 1,700 people die every year, with tens of thousands more suffering life-changing injuries.

“Behind each of these numbers is a family devastated by loss. We’re committed to tackling the leading causes of these fatalities, known as the Fatal Five, through both education and enforcement, to prevent these tragedies from happening. Our officers work tirelessly, both to enforce road laws and to support families affected by collisions, and I’m proud of their dedication to reducing road casualties.

“We’ve recently added unmarked road safety vans to our fleet, capable of detecting speed, mobile phone, and seatbelt offences. These efforts are part of our ongoing strategy to keep road users safe and hold those who jeopardise lives accountable.

“During Road Safety Week, we hope to highlight the impact of lives lost and raise awareness of the fatal five so that we can, together, create safer roads for everyone.”