A Day of Remembrance

Sunday, November 20, 2022, is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This commemoration happens on the third Sunday of November every year.  Sadly, it is needed every year.  Around the planet, over 3,500 people die every day on the roads, which means that over one million people die a year.  Estimates put the number of injuries from traffic crashes at 50 million every year.  Injuries from road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 5 to 29. More than half of all road traffic deaths involve pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.[1] This is unacceptable, and countries everywhere recognize those facts need to change.

Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021—2030

In August 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 74/299 proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021—2030, with a goal of reducing traffic deaths and injuries by 50%.  It was a continued recognition[2] of the devastating global harm from traffic crashes and the need to do more. Nowhere is that more evident, than during the World Day of Remembrance.

In October 2005, the United Nations recognized the third Sunday of November as “the appropriate acknowledgment for victims of road traffic crashes and their families” and declared it as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Since that time, the World Day of Remembrance has grown in recognition with events to raise awareness happening all over the globe.  It is also during this day when law enforcement, emergency response crews, and medical professionals are recognized for their life saving efforts.

Remember, Support, Act

This year, with a slogan of “Remember, Support, Act,” the focus is on justice and traffic enforcement. When law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts all work to stop or prevent a reoccurrence of traffic violations, we all benefit. When there is a fatal traffic crash with a thorough investigation that determines what happened, and when appropriate a prosecution of that offender, followed by a just sentence designed to stop the behavior, it can ultimately safe lives. This work matters to society in general, but even more, it matters to those families who have to live with the loss of a loved one.

“When carried out seriously, fairly and consistently, such a system is what road crash victims who have been injured or had a family member killed as the result of someone’s law–breaking or negligence deserve and wish for, since it also represents a main factor of prevention and this would mean that lessons are learnt from their tragedies so that they may not be repeated.”[3]

You Can Make a Difference

Human error causes a significant percentage of fatal crashes—so each one of us can improve the roads by paying attention and focusing on our driving.  Do not drive distracted; do not drive impaired; do not drive drowsy; wear your seat belt, and slow down. It all matters.

In the meantime, this Sunday, during this World Day of Remembrance, take the time to:

• Remember – All who were killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes;
• Support – Those who are working to keep us safe: law enforcement and emergency responders; and,
• Act – Advocate for supporting victims’ families in your community.

Be sure to share the message, because we can make a difference.

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[1] Road Traffic Injuries, Key Facts, World Health Organization, dated June 20, 2022.

[2] In March of 2010, the United Nations proclaimed 2011 –2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety.

[3] World of Day Remembrance, https://worlddayofremembrance.org/, obtained on September 7, 2022.