Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) Provides Vital Support to Road Crash Victims

MANCHESTER, England, January 24 -- As part of its 'responsible driving campaign' leading motor insurer Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) is pleased to announce that it will be supporting RoadPeace the national charity for road traffic victims.

In 2003 over 3,500 people were killed on UK roads with over 22% of those killed being pedestrians. Sadly children under the age of fifteen accounted for almost 5% of this figure. Figures that suggest the ever-increasing need for help and support for road traffic victims.

RoadPeace provides vital help and support to those who have been injured or bereaved by a road crash. One of the services provided by RoadPeace is a telephone helpline that is open seven days a week offering practical and emotional help. CIS' financial support will ensure that this important resource will be safeguarded for the next three years.

CIS has shown through it's existing associations with The Catherine Kenyon Charitable Trust and Brake that it regards its role as a major motor insurer as not just a matter of dealing with claims after losses occur but also about preventing those losses occurring in the first place. By getting actively involved in initiatives and showing how the attitudes and actions of individuals can impact upon all our lives CIS' aim is to make a real difference where it counts.

Andy Watson CIS' General Insurance Director said: "Our support of RoadPeace forms just one element of our 'Responsible Driving Campaign'. CIS insures over 1 million vehicles and is committed to improving road safety for everyone.

This new association provides an ideal opportunity for CIS to ensure that those who need vital help and support following a road crash have someone to turn to who can offer them essential information and emotional support and guide them through the complex and confusing procedures that often follow."

Brigitte Chaudhry, Founder of RoadPeace said, "Our charity is dedicated to minimising the trauma of road death and injury. The RoadPeace helpline is a unique lifeline for people who find themselves bereaved or injured without any warning. Calls are followed by publications written from the experience of thousands of cases and from the victims' perspective."

We are delighted that CIS is supporting this service - the first insurer to do so. This support acknowledges the fact that every road user is a potential victim."

Notes to Editors:

- Co-operative Financial Services was formed in April 2002 to bring together The Co-operative Bank, smile (the Internet bank) and the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS).

- ISDN facilities are available for broadcast media interviews.

- Jpeg images of the announcement are available.

- RoadPeace was founded in 1992 by Bridgette Chaudrey after her 26 year old son was killed by a red light offender. Set up in response to the desperate need of road victims for timely information, immediate and long term support and practical help with legal proceedings. RoadPeace is the national voice for victims of all road offences. It works at raising awareness of road danger and promotes policies to reduce that danger, conducts research and engages with a range of transport, medical and victim groups. Its membership is wide ranging - people who have been bereaved or injured as a result of road crashes and many others who want to support its campaigning work to bring justice to victims and reduce danger on the roads.

Duncan Bowker, Co-operative Financial Services Press Office, Tel: +44-(0)161-829-4245, Fax: +44-(0)161-829-4590, e-mail : duncan.bowker@cis.co.uk