S.C.I.D.

Scotland’s Campaign against Irresponsible Drivers - Supporting Victims of Road Crashes

Articles relevant to road traffic laws

To seek views on the creation of a dedicated body to investigate the causes of road traffic collisions

Added on 02/12/2021      In 2012 SCID, together with support from Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland, commissioned research into Access in Europe by a bereaved family to information gathered during an investigation into a fatal road collision. One of the recommendations in the report was the establishment of an independent multi disciplinary team to investigate all road crashes.

On 7th May 2013 the Justice Committee at the Scottish Parliament took evidence on the findings of the report which can be found at Scottish Parliament Report

Now in 2021 the Transport Department at Westminster have launched a consultation - To seek views on the creation of a dedicated body to investigate the causes of road traffic collisions

Consultation - Creating a Road Collision Investigation  The consultation is open until 9th Dec 2021 please respond.

University of Dundee School of Law Report: ‘Access in Europe by a bereaved family to information gathered during an investigation into a fatal road collision’

The University of Dundee School of Law Report: ’Access in Europe by a bereaved family to information gathered during an investigation into a fatal road collision’ was commissioned by SCID with support from the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland.

The aim of the research was to establish, through FOI requests, whether there are systems in place in Europe by which police organisations or other investigating bodies provide, as a matter of procedure or on request, information to the family of a victim following a fatal road collision that could be deemed to be best practice and from which Scottish police forces and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service could base their procedures.

To access the full report click here

Dundee

Public perception of sentencing in Scotland Qualitative research exploration causing death by driving offence (960Kb) 

Added on 18 February 2021

Members of the public, including relatives of victims of such offences, took part in the research, which was carried out by ScotCen Social Research on behalf of the Council.  It examines public understanding of and attitudes to sentencing for death by driving offences as well as experiences and views of the justice system.

Discussions explored awareness of the situations involved in these offences, knowledge and views of the factors influencing sentencing and perceptions of the purpose of sentencing. 

Research and Analysis   

The Victims Taskforce

Established Spring 2019     The Victims Taskforce has benn established to improve support, advice and information for victims of crime.  The primary role of the Taskforce is to co-ordinate and drive action to improve the experience of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system, whilst ensuring a fair justice system for those accused of crime.

Crown Office ‘simply incapable of handling’ Fatal Accident Inquiries

Added on 09/08/2019     Michelle McLeod, HM Inspector said: “Given it is almost three years since the thematic FAI report was published, the lack of progress in many areas is disappointing.  While there has been some improvements in the timelines for conducting FAIs, the time taken to conclude mandatory FAIs remains a concern as does their age profile with 20 enquiries more than 3 years old.”

“Failing to deal with FAIs expeditiously not only impacts on nearest relatives , it causes distress and concern for potential witnesses who may have to give evidence in the inquiry”.

Full report can be found at: Follow up Report

Sentencing Council

Added on 31/07/2019   The Sentencing Council are currently carrying out a review of death by driving offences.  The Sentencing Council are consulting on the sentencing process.  The consultation paper, draft sentencing guide line and draft impact assessment are available for download.  All responses should be submitted by 6 September 2019

Sentencing Council Draft Impact Assessment.

Investigation of Road Deaths

Added on 05/12/2017      The Lord Advocate published Guidelines on the Investigation of Road Traffic Deaths to assist the Chief Constable in the investigation and reporting of road traffic deaths. The guidelines complement guidance issued to Procurators Fiscal on the investigation of such deaths.

The guidelines can be found on the COPFS website: Road Traffic Deaths Guidelines

Police Road Death Investigation Manual can be accessed at: www.scotland.police.uk

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: November 2022

Added on 10/04/2021      The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year.  This day, initiated by road victims in 1993 and adopted by the UN on 26th October 2005, is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed and injured in road crashes, their families and communities.  more

 
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