HELPLINE: 0345 1235542  |  OFFICE: 01924 562252

We provide support
and care...

...after road death and injury

We offer practical help...

...to the seriously injured...

...and the bereaved

We raise funds and awareness...

...to strengthen the SCARD community

Hello and welcome to our website

Please take your time to look around the site - as well as offering support during difficult times, we can also help you remember your loved ones, assist with any legal questions and cope with moving on.

Our helpline 0345 123 5542 is open 365 days a year from 9am to 9pm. All calls are charged at the local rate no matter where you are in the UK. If you are unable to find what you need on our website, please let us know and we’ll do our very best to help.

Remember - we are only one call away.


Carole Whittingham MBE - Founder of SCARD


READ STEVEN'S STORY - WHY CAROLE CREATED SCARD

IMPORTANT NOTICE - CHANGES IN THE LAW

There have recently been a number of important developments in our road traffic legislation, which include changes to our rules in the Highway Code and clamping down on the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

This is part of the Government’s commitment to ensure that Magistrates and Crown Court Judges have greater sentencing powers to deal with those drivers who seriously injure or kill others. On 28 April 2022, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill received Royal Assent and therefore became an Act of Parliament.

The Act covers a number of different matters but with regard to road traffic offences, the Act introduced the following provisions:

  • It will create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless, or inconsiderate, driving, with a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment (section 87 of the Act).
  • It will increase the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life imprisonment (section 86)
  • It will increase the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to life imprisonment (section 86).
  • A new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving

The introduction of the offence of causing serious injury by careless driving is ground breaking.

However, it will require police forces to be extra vigilant and diligent in the way they carry out their investigations. Their approach to serious RTC’s varies with some forces being exceptionally good and some falling far short in the way in which these investigations are carried out. It represents another example of greater emphasis now being placed on the consequences of a collision something which for many years was regarded as inconsequential.

Sadly, with the huge delays in RTC investigation, our crumbling courts and huge delays (which existed before Covid), it will be interesting to see how the new law is implemented and what success it has in reducing on poor driving.

The long awaited and logical extension increase in sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is to be applauded. In essence it does no more than bring the Courts’ sentencing powers in line with manslaughter. It was always a curious quirk that to kill someone with your car brought about a shorter sentence than killing someone with your hands.

Losing a loved one or friend is devastating and the suffering and emotional impact caused by incidents on the road can be far-reaching. If you have lost a loved one or have been seriously injured and you need support, whether you’re looking for practical or emotional help or simply wish to talk to someone, SCARD (Support and Care After Road Death and Injury) can help.

SCARD offer year-round support to the families and friends of those lost in road related accidents. From one-to-one counselling and emotional support, to legal assistance and general help with all those questions and worries associated with tragic events - we are here to help.

And we've just been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service!

READ ABOUT OUR AWARD