Beyond the crash: Real life stories
The impact of road crashes through the eyes of those who are living it
Road crashes affect more than just the people directly involved. They ripple through families and communities in ways that are felt long after the crash.
Beyond the crash: Real life stories shares honest, powerful accounts from people who’ve experienced the aftermath of road trauma – whether through personal injury or the loss of a loved one. These stories remind us all why making safer choices on our roads matter.
Warning: This website contains details of road trauma and crashes that may be distressing to some readers.
People we know
The NSW road statistics aren't just numbers - they represent real people and their lives. Tragically, the impact of road trauma is closer to home than you might think. It affects people like you - grandparents, mothers, fathers, partners, children. Every life lost is a loss we can't accept, no matter how small the number gets, until we reach zero.
Hear from people who have been directly affected by road trauma. *These videos contain footage that some viewers may find upsetting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons.
Tahlia's story
Speeding | Passenger | Injury | Fatality of loved one
Heidi's story
Motorcycle rider | Injury
Di and Graeme's story
Head-on collision | Driver | Fatality of loved one
The Knock-on Effect - Hits Hard Episode 1
Speeding | Passenger | Fatality of loved one
Matt's story
Passenger | Injury | Fatality of loved ones
Vicki's story
Mobile phone use | Driver | Fatality of loved one
Jarrad's story
Speeding | Driver | Injury
The Knock-on Effect - Hits Hard Episode 2
Fatigue | Driver | Injury
Support services
Beyond Blue | beyondblue.org.au | 1300 22 4636
Griefline Australia | griefline.org.au | 1300 845 745
Kids Helpline | kidshelpline.com.au | 1800 55 1800
Lifeline | lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14
Road Trauma Support Group NSW | roadtraumasupportnsw.org | 1800 808 384
Suicide Call Back Service | suicidecallbackservice.org.au | 1300 659 467
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line) | 13yarn.org.au | 13 92 76