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RoadPeace press release
1 May 2007
Tackling speed is the real issue
RoadPeace regrets the trauma caused to the bereaved family by
the unauthorised use by North Wales Chief Constable Richard
Brunstrom of a photograph of the motorcyclist who died in 2003 as a
result of speeding. However, we regret the ongoing slaughter as a
result of speeding even more.
The deceased, wearing an anti-speed enforcement t-shirt at the
time of his death, demonstrated all too-well the lack of awareness
or acceptance of the dangers of speed. This should have been a
wake-up call to journalists over the danger of speeding, which is
too often portrayed by the media as a 'victimless' crime or revenue
raising exercise.
This is not the first time a photo of a road victim has been
used without permission. RoadPeace is involved in several of the
Safe Drive Stay Alive programmes around the country and we are
aware of similar incidents elsewhere, where unauthorised
photographs were used and the police have had to apologise to
relatives.
But everyone should be reminded that road deaths are violent and
horrific - with the most horrific consequences, such as limbs being
severed or people burnt alive and it is in the public's interest
not to continue to sanitize these deaths and pretend that they are
quick and easy.
Amy Aeron-Thomas, RoadPeace Director, stressed:
Richard Brunstrom should be remembered and commended
for his life- saving efforts in tackling speeding, rather than
this isolated incident of insensitivity. Speeding is the leading
cause of violent death and is responsible for more than 20 times as
many deaths as is gun
Ends
Note to editors
RoadPeace is a specialist national charity for road traffic
victims, supporting bereaved and injured victims, and working to
prevent further tragedies.
Set up in1992, RoadPeace's first ever helpline for road crash
victims - 0845 4500 355 - is a lifeline offering vital information,
advice and support, on 7 days from 9am - 9pm, from someone with
expertise, empathy and understanding. This is supported by free
literature written from the road victims' perspective - about the
investigation, prosecution and civil damages claims.
Long-term support and friendship are offered through mailings,
local groups, annual events and many joint acts and ways of
remembrance. One of these is the World Day of Remembrance for Road
Traffic Victims, which was initiated by RoadPeace in 1993 and
adopted by the United Nations in October 2005.
RoadPeace works worldwide with victim organisations and
international institutions, and collaborates with the World Health
Organisation and United Nations.
Contacts & Information:
RoadPeace Office 020 8838 5102
Amy Aeron-Thomas , Executive Director 07905 847 917
Brenda Puech , Campaigns and Communications 020 8838 5102
Brigitte Chaudhry , Founder and President 020 8964
1800
www.roadpeace.org
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