‘Bigger than me’: road safety campaigner whose son died in collision welcomes new UK rules

1 day ago7 min read

For Meera Naran, the announcement of a new, comprehensive road safety strategy this week wasn't just a policy shift; it was the culmination of a profoundly personal crusade, a raw, emotional marathon that began on a stretch of motorway in 2018. Her eight-year-old son, Dev, was killed in a collision that day, a tragedy that propelled Naran from a life of private grief into the public arena as one of Britain's most formidable and respected campaigners.The government’s newly unveiled plans, which aim to slash thousands of road deaths by 2035, carry a powerful and poignant tribute embedded within their technical language: a pledge to mandate advanced safety technology in new vehicles, a measure now formally known as ‘Dev’s Law’. As ministers outlined the strategy, they explicitly acknowledged campaigners like Naran, whose relentless advocacy has transformed private loss into a potent public mandate for change.This isn't merely about stricter MOT rules or incremental tweaks to the highway code; it represents a systemic re-evaluation of how Britain values life on its roads, driven by the unbearable cost paid by families like Naran's. The proposed measures, which include broader adoption of intelligent speed assistance, automated emergency braking, and stricter standards for vehicle safety ratings, are projected to prevent countless casualties, a cold statistic that, for Naran, translates to other parents being spared the phone call she received.Her journey mirrors that of other grassroots campaigners who have reshaped British law—figures like the parents of Harry Dunn or the family of Molly Russell—individuals who channeled unimaginable pain into meticulous, evidence-based lobbying. Yet, the road ahead remains fraught.While the strategy has been welcomed by safety groups, it immediately faces scrutiny over implementation timelines, funding for enforcement, and resistance from some motorist associations concerned about overreach and cost. The political landscape is also volatile; with a general election looming, the longevity of these commitments depends on which party holds power.Furthermore, experts point out that technology alone is not a panacea; it must be coupled with sustained investment in road infrastructure, a cultural shift in driver behaviour, and addressing deeper issues like the proliferation of larger, heavier SUVs. For Naran, however, this moment is a validation of the principle that her son’s death was ‘bigger than me.’ It is a hard-won victory in a campaign she never wanted to lead, proving that from the depths of personal catastrophe, a legacy of protection for others can be forged. The real test now lies in Westminster's ability to follow through with the urgency and resolve that the campaigners, and the memory of those like Dev, so compellingly demand.

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#Dev's Law

#vehicle safety technology

#government regulations

#campaigner

#motorway collision

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