Emily Pfeiffer’s brother Josh, who loved doing up his car and spending time with his chihuahua, died after he was critically injured in the crash on October 9, 2014. 

Josh, 20, was rushed to Melbourne for critical treatment. When Ms Pfeiffer, sister Olivia and their mum arrived, their beloved brother and son was unrecognisable – hooked up to tubes and machines.

“It was really confronting – it didn’t look like him in the hospital bed with everything hooked up to him, and knowing that the doctors didn’t think he had any real chance of surviving,” she said.

Ms Pfeiffer will speak at a Road Trauma Support Services forum at Horsham College on Sunday.  

The free community event, from 2pm to 4pm, aims to ensure people understand the dangers they face on the road and coincides with Shine the Light on Road Safety Day.

Regional co-ordinator Kelly Fletcher said people needed to understand the ripple effect of road trauma. 

“We must also come together in support of the people in our midst who live with the reality of road trauma – be they bereaved family members and friends, the injured, drivers involved in road crashes, emergency service workers or witnesses,” she said. “The road toll reaches far beyond the number of deaths and injuries counted each year.”

Schools are encouraged to get involved by running a free dress day, inviting students to dress in yellow. 

The Deadly Bike Students are gifting a “shine a light custom built bike” to be raffled across all schools and to help raise funds for the campaign.

On May 12, motorists will be invited to turn on their headlights in support of the campaign. 

“An accident can happen on any road,” Ms Pfeiffer said.

“It’s not always your fault. It can always be someone else’s. It can be an honest mistake.”