World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global observance that aims to remember those who have been killed or injured in road traffic accidents and to acknowledge the suffering of their families. The day also serves to recognize the work of emergency responders and others who deal with the aftermath of these tragedies and generate public awareness about road safety. It is an opportunity to share grief, support each other, and promote collaborative actions that ultimately help reduce the number of deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

In Canada, road safety is a significant public health concern, as thousands of people are killed or injured in traffic accidents each year. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a particularly relevant observance for Canadians as it highlights the devastating effects of these accidents and the need for more adequate government policies and community engagement to prevent them. The day was first observed in 1993 by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims and later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly; it serves as a reminder for citizens and countries worldwide, including Canada, to take meaningful action against the preventable loss of life on our roads.

Canadian observances of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims vary by province and community. Events may include memorial gatherings, sharing of personal stories, road safety awareness campaigns, and gestures of thanks to emergency service workers. In some areas, roads may be closed temporarily to honor road traffic victims and their families, allowing the community to unite in remembrance and advocacy. In Canada, this event falls on the third Sunday in November, allowing Canadians to join the global community in acknowledging and remembering those affected by road traffic accidents.

Facts about Road Traffic Victims

• According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, car accidents have been responsible for about 1.3 million death worldwide.
• According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years.
• According to the Canadian Automobile Association, drivers aged 16-19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision, while seniors aged 65 and over have the second-highest rate of road fatalities.
• Even though Canada's road fatality rate has been continuously declining over the years, traffic accidents still claim around 1,800 lives and leave approximately 160,000 Canadians injured every year.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Explore Getting Started for ideas on how to plan a commemorative event for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
• Read through the WHO's informative World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Guide.
• Consider taking an online first aid course that focuses on dealing with road traffic accidents. Having basic life-saving skills can make a significant difference in the event of an accident, as it increases your ability to provide emergency assistance before professional help arrives.
• Take a moment of silence to remember the victims of road traffic accidents. Use this time to reflect on the importance of road safety and the need for increased awareness.