Families affected by crashes asked to help spread life-saving messages in Road Safety Week

A road safety charity is seeking people affected by a road crash to get in contact and help pass on vital road safety messages to communities.

The charity Brake is particularly looking for people who have been bereaved or seriously injured in a crash and who would be willing to share their story and help others to learn from their experiences.

Brake will be communicating vital road safety messages as part of Road Safety Week (7-13 May), and those who get involved would be asked to provide a case study of their experience to support these messages. There are also opportunities to get involved in Road Safety Week activities.

The theme of Road Safety Week is Belt on, Phone off - make it a habit, focusing on seat belts and distractions. Brake will be calling on everyone to commit to always wearing a seat belt when they're in a vehicle, and on drivers to commit to never using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Potential families or individuals can discuss their experience with Brake before signing up, and those taking part in Road Safety Week activities will be provided with training and support before, during and after the week.

Caroline Perry, Brake's NZ director said: "Every death on the road is a tragedy. If you've been affected by a road crash, you know first-hand what a traumatic experience it is. Sharing your experiences makes others stop and think about the devastating effects of a road crash, and helps spread vital messages about staying safe on roads. If you think you could share your story I encourage you to contact Brake."

Many people bereaved in road crashes fundraise for the charity in memory of their loved one. Anyone who wishes to do this can go to www.brake.org.nz/fundraise for ideas.

If you are part of an organisation or group that would like to get involved in Road Safety Week activities, more information is available at www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz.

People interested in providing a case study, or organising a fundraiser can contact Caroline on 021 407 953 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Brake also provides support resources for people bereaved in crashes. A book for children, called Someone has died in a road crash, and one for adults on coping with grief, are available for free from Brake. These can be ordered by calling 021 407 953 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..