Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, road rage or distracted driving, aggressive or dangerous driving causing death or bodily harm, hit-and-run. The news reports these types of “accidents” every day. The same ones that claim the lives of over 1,000 Canadians every year, and injure tens of thousands more. But beyond the news report, what do victims of traffic crime go through?
Families and individuals affected by this scourge say they feel left to their own devices. They don’t feel heard or considered, especially as “real” victims. They testify to a lack of recognition on the part of certain administrative bodies, who do not all show the same sensitivity towards them. When their case goes to court, victims and their loved ones find themselves lost in the maze of the criminal justice system. They have to juggle slow procedures, multiple postponements and complex cases. Finally, they have to deal with the frustrations that come with sentencing. Judgments that are considered particularly lenient in view of the seriousness of their actions.
The experiences of victims of road traffic crime are also poorly documented. It’s difficult to get an accurate picture of the situation. Even statistics on the annual number of deaths attributable to impaired driving vary according to the criteria used.
Nevertheless, this issue of Les Cahiers de PV explores various facets of the problem. It paints a picture of the difficulties faced by victims in exercising their rights and remedies. We hope that this issue will help us better understand this important issue, and give a “face” to these victims.