When a serious or fatal road traffic incident happens, the impact on witnesses is often overlooked. Yet what they have seen can stay with them long after the collision itself.

For one witness, the effects were much greater than they expected.

“Being witness to a RTC affected me more than I thought it initially would.”

The incident happened close to home, in a place they drive and walk past every day. Instead of becoming just another familiar route, it became a constant reminder of what had happened.

One of the biggest challenges was what stayed with them afterwards.

“Replaying the scene in my head, I really struggled with that image mentally.”

After the incident, the police recommended Aftermath. The witness got in touch soon afterwards, while everything was still very fresh.

“It was good to voice thoughts so soon.”

Sometimes, having someone who understands can make all the difference.

“Just talking to someone who understood.”

Looking back, there is one thing they would want other people affected by road death or serious or life changing injury to know:

“The images do start to fade with time; you just have to be patient and try to talk it through.”

Every experience is unique, but this story is a reminder of the lasting impact a road traffic incident can have on witnesses, and that talking to someone who understands can be an important step.

Anonymous Story | Witness