Six out of ten people involved in a traffic accident experience symptoms of depression afterwards. In 4 out of 10 cases, these symptoms even persist 10 years later. The Flemish Traffic Safety Institute Vias reached this conclusion after surveying around fifty traffic victims and the same number of family members. This was in the context of the International Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims last Sunday.
According to Vias, the study’s results clearly show that traffic accidents have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of all those affected. The consequences mark the lives of traffic victims and their families for many years after the accident. This is especially true for the family members when the victim dies.
‘Shattered lives’
“Behind every accident lies a shattered life, a family forever scarred,” said Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke. “Unfortunately, far too many accidents still cause such immense suffering. It is precisely this conviction that guides our commitment and our policy toward one possible goal: zero deaths on our roads by 2050.”
But we’re still a long way from that. In 2024, there were 35,916 traffic accidents on Belgian roads. That same year, there were 470 fatalities (death at the scene or within 30 days of the accident). In addition, there were 44,246 casualties in total: 40,780 slightly injured and 2,996 seriously injured.
Fortunately, we are seeing a downward trend: from approximately 41,500 in 2014 to approximately 35,900 in 2024 — a decrease of roughly 13%. The number of fatalities has also fallen sharply: from 727 to 470 — a decrease of about 35%.
Contact platform
In the Netherlands, they recognize the problem, but they have already taken a step. The organization Victim Support Netherlands (Slachtofferhulp Nederland) recently launched a platform where people involved in a traffic accident can find each other and contact one another via a secure chat. Personal data remains protected, but if both parties wish, those involved can contact each other.
According to board chair Rosa Jansen, bystanders, victims, and relatives are often left with questions after traffic accidents. The platform allows them to connect safely and find answers to their questions.
Connecting with others can be healing, agrees Nelly Vollebregt, Chair of the Road Traffic Victims Association. “The stories and support of others are essential for your healing process. You can’t do it alone.”
