Family of Hertfordshire dad, 20, who died in collision launch safety campaign
A road safety campaign has been launched inspired by the devastating death of a Hertfordshire dad.
Callum Dix’s family are sharing their heartbreaking story to highlight the impact dangerous driving can have.
Called, A Split Second, it focuses on how quick decisions made by motorists can change their lives and the lives of others forever.
Callum was a 20-year-old trainee mechanic living in Broxbourne, when he was killed while travelling home from work when two other motorists decided to race.
Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed the young father was completely unaware when one of the vehicles travelling down the other side of the A414 bypass near Stanstead Abbotts, lost control and hit his car.
According to police intelligence the vehicle was travelling at an estimated 116mph and instantly killed Callum who left behind an 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,” Hertfordshire Constabulary said.
His brother Jamie told the police force: “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.”
It is hoped that by sharing Callum’s story more road users will think twice before doing something behind the wheel that could endanger their own lives and the lives of others.
Hertfordshire Constabulary also announced its support of the campaign in the lead up to the autumn and winter months, when 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.”
More information on the campaign can be found on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website here.