Road Safety Week | Brain Injury Group
What is Road Safety Week?
Road Safety Week, 16th – 22nd November 2025, is the UK’s largest annual campaign for road safety awareness. Organised by the national charity ‘Brake’, the initiative promotes safer driving habits and raises awareness of the consequences of preventable collisions.
We support this initiative because it closely aligns with our own mission at Brain Injury Group, which is to help those affected by brain injuries get the right support, fast.
“November is not just another month, it is a period when the combination of reduced lighting and shifting weather applies. It is a time for everyone on the road to raise their guard. Preventing injuries starts with awareness. A few simple adjustments in driving behaviour and visibility can make the difference”
Katrina Elsey, Switalskis Solicitors, Brain Injury Group Member
Brake – The Charity Behind Road Safety Week
Since its founding in 1995, Brake has worked to reduce road casualties and support victims through education, policy advocacy, and public engagement.
“Through initiatives such as Road Safety Week, organisations across the country are working to reduce preventable accidents and improve outcomes for those affected.”
Brake’s Key Focus Areas for Road Safety Week Include:
- Road Safety Week: A national awareness campaign for accident prevention
- Victim Support: Guidance and resources for families and individuals affected by collisions
- Policy Advocacy: Supporting changes to transport and road safety laws
- Education Programmes: Outreach in schools, workplaces, and local communities
We work with our directory members to ensure that road traffic accident survivors receive full support, including rehabilitation, emotional support for families, and legal assistance where required.
Serious Road Traffic Accidents – Causes and Statistics
While driver education and road design improvements have helped, serious road collisions are still a high risk in the UK, especially in November, historically one of the most dangerous months on UK roads.
“Statistics show that November is consistently one of the most dangerous months for collisions in the UK.” – Katrina Elsey, Senior Associate Personal Injury Manager, Switalski Solicitors
Common contributing factors include speeding, driver distraction, poor visibility, and wet or icy road surfaces.
Main Causes of Serious Road Accidents
- Speeding – Less time to react, more force on impact
- Distraction – Phone use, in-car tech, or even passengers
- Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, and ice limit control and visibility
- Driver Fatigue – Especially common on long-distance or late-night journeys
- Rural Hazards – Poor overtaking, hidden bends, mud and wildlife
Behind each incident is a human story, like that of T, a client of Switalskis Solicitors, who sustained multiple life-altering injuries after an HGV struck her vehicle at a rural junction.
T was a front-seat passenger when an HGV hit her car at a rural crossroads, resulting in a severe crash. Emergency services cut her from the wreckage, and she was transported to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. There, she received treatment for multiple injuries, including a subarachnoid haemorrhage, spinal and hip fractures, and serious injuries to her shoulder and eye.
The collision had severe consequences. Damage to her left eye left her nearly blind on that side, impairing her depth perception, balance, and mobility. She continues to suffer neck and shoulder pain, restricted movement, and faces psychological effects such as depression and anxiety related to travel.
Traumatic Brain Injury After a Road Accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most severe outcomes of road traffic accidents. Survivors may require urgent neurosurgical care, intensive therapy, and long-term support, as seen in T’s story.
She was treated for multiple injuries, including a subarachnoid haemorrhage… her life was changed forever.
We work with specialists to support people who suffer such injuries in various types of incidents, including:
Common Types of Brain Injury Post RTA
Injury Type | Description |
Concussion | Temporary loss of brain function |
Diffuse Axonal Injury | Widespread damage caused by the violent movement of the brain |
Contusion/Haematoma | Localised bleeding or bruising of the brain |
Penetrating injury | Direct trauma from a fractured bone or a foreign object |
Early Intervention and Rehabilitation
The initial period following a severe brain injury is crucial. Access to specialist neurorehabilitation, therapy, and support coordination can dramatically improve outcomes.
“Early access to medical rehabilitation and specialist legal advice can play a crucial role in recovery.”
We also recognise that injuries in military environments like combat and training exercises require unique support. Our partners provide expertise in military-related brain injury cases where trauma may be complex or combined with PTSD.
Early Intervention Therapies for Brain Injuries May Include:
- Neurorehabilitation – Tailored therapy to improve brain function
- Physiotherapy – Restoring physical strength and mobility
- Psychological Support – Addressing PTSD, depression, and trauma
- Case Management – Coordinating care between professionals
- Family Assistance – Helping loved ones understand the recovery journey
Financial and Legal Support for Survivors
Many survivors of RTA incidents who have incurred brain injuries often face disrupted careers, permanent care needs, and financial uncertainty. That’s why we provide access to legal professionals who understand the complexities of brain injury claims.
How We Support Survivors Financially and Legally
Support Type | Details |
Personal Injury Claims | Managed by specialists in catastrophic injury law |
Rehabilitation Funding | Secured via legal claims and insurance channels |
Interim Payments | Cover living costs and care expenses during the claim process. |
Family Support | Emotional and practical guidance throughout recovery |
Multidisciplinary Care | Collaboration between lawyers, doctors, therapists, and case managers |
Conclusion
Road Safety Week reminds us that every road user has a responsibility, not only for their own safety, but also for the well-being of others. Through our work with legal and medical experts, we aim to reduce the long-term effects of serious accidents and raise awareness of the life-altering impact of brain injury.
At Brain Injury Group, we’re committed to helping survivors access immediate care, financial security, and long-term rehabilitation. Our goal is to ensure that no one faces the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury alone.
