Family of young man killed in collision share their story to support new road safety campaign

The family of a young man who was killed in a collision are sharing their story to support a new Hertfordshire road safety campaign.

A Split Second focuses on the quick decisions some motorists make that can change their lives and the lives of others forever.

Twenty-year-old trainee mechanic Callum Dix, from Broxbourne, was killed while travelling home from work when two other motorists decided to race.

Completely unaware, Callum was travelling in the opposite direction on the A414 bypass near Stanstead Abbots when one of the cars, estimated to have been travelling at speeds of up to 116mph, lost control and hit his car. He was killed instantly leaving behind his 18-month-old son.

That was in January 2021 but today, more than five years on, his family continue to live with the daily pain of his loss.

His brother Jamie said: “His son, nieces and nephews know who Callum was and they get to hear stories about him, obviously making sure he’s present in their lives, but they shouldn’t be stories you have to tell.

“They should be able to live and learn those stories, and be able to witness and be part of them, creating new stories and memories themselves.

“That was all ripped away from Callum through no fault of his own, just because of a decision that two people made.”

Callum’s family have chosen to share their story in the hope that other road users will think twice before doing something behind the wheel that could endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is launching the road safety campaign today because as we head into the autumn and winter months, road traffic collisions tend to increase.

Detective Inspector Rachael Foy from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit said: “The majority of fatal and serious collisions are caused by what we refer to as the Fatal Five. These are careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or other hand-held devices and speeding.

“Every single one of these behaviours is preventable. A split-second decision, whether it’s choosing to race another driver, checking your phone, or driving after drinking, can have devastating and lifelong consequences.

“Callum’s story is a tragic reminder of the impact these choices can have. I would like to thank his family for their courage in sharing their heartbreak in the hope of preventing others from suffering the same loss.

“Sadly, so far this year (2026) there have been 21 fatal road traffic collisions across Hertfordshire, resulting in 25 tragic deaths. There have also been a further 213 serious injury collisions on our roads, which has caused 321 casualties. We hope that this campaign will raise awareness, make motorists think twice about their driving behaviours and reduce the number of people dying and being seriously injured.”

For more information about the Fatal Five and tips on things you can do to help you avoid these behaviours, see the A Split Second campaign page on our website.