BRAKE (Charity number 1093244) is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to road safety and supporting victims of road crashes. Founded in 1995, Brake works to stop road deaths and serious injuries, promote safe and healthy travel, and provide ongoing support to those affected by road trauma[2][5].

Mission and Vision

BRAKE's vision is a world where there are zero road deaths and injuries, and where safe and healthy mobility is recognized as a human right accessible to everyone regardless of how they travel. Until this vision is realized, the charity focuses on three key objectives:

• Preventing crashes on roads
• Reducing harm when crashes occur
• Supporting every road victim with help they need, for as long as they need it[1][5].

Activities and Services

Victim Support

BRAKE operates a National Road Victim Service, which offers a freephone helpline and accredited support for families and individuals bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes. The service provides specialist help, including emotional support and practical guidance, accessible Monday to Friday during specified hours. The charity also distributes support packs to bereaved families through official channels such as the police[1][4].

Support for Bereaved Children and Young People

Through its initiative Sudden, BRAKE shares best practices, research, and resources for professionals working with those affected by sudden bereavement, including children and young people. This extends beyond road crash deaths to other types of sudden loss. The initiative offers literature to aid coping with grief and supports those impacted by traumatic bereavement[4].

Advocacy and Awareness

BRAKE conducts campaigns to raise awareness of road safety issues and advocates for safer road environments. It encourages public involvement in events such as Road Safety Week, which aims to mobilize communities, businesses, and governments to promote safer roads. The charity also recognises excellence in road safety through awards like the Fleet Champions Awards, which honour safety-conscious operators and manufacturers[5].

Organisation

The charity employs approximately 55 staff members and involves around 310 volunteers, with a governance structure led by a board of trustees. It is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales under number 1093244. The organisation's leadership includes a CEO who steers its strategic direction and public engagement[3][5].

Impact

For nearly three decades, BRAKE has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce road casualties in the UK. It supports thousands of victims annually and continues to influence policies and practices that enhance road safety nationwide. The charity maintains a commitment to long-term care for road victims, recognizing the persistent effects of road trauma on individuals and communities[2][5].

BRAKE remains a key player in the UK’s road safety landscape, combining direct victim support with advocacy and education to create safer roads for all.

[1] https://www.brake.org.uk [2] https://www.brake.org.uk/about-brake [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3977122 [4] https://sudden.org/tools/brake-work-supporting-suddenly-bereaved-children-and-young-people/ [5] https://www.samsara.com/uk/blog/this-road-safety-week-we-all-need-to-focus-on-crash-victims