Road safety and deaf people: the role of the police

The ability to travel safely and independently is very important for participation in many aspects of modern life and the police have an important role in maintaining safety on the roads. Although people with hearing impairments form a significant percentage of the population in the United Kingdom (estimated at 1 in 7 by the Royal National Institute of Deaf People), there has been little research on how the police ensure the road safety of deaf and hearing impaired people. This article discusses an investigation into existing police practice in providing support and training to police officers on interacting with deaf people in situations that could have an effect on road safety. It makes recommendations for improving existing practice.