World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global observance aimed at acknowledging the pain and suffering faced by families who have lost their loved ones in road accidents. This day is also dedicated to recognizing the essential work of emergency services and promoting awareness of the need for better road safety measures. The ultimate objective is to prevent road traffic fatalities and injuries, protecting precious lives.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was initiated by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) in 1993 and has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 2005. In India, this observance is highly relevant due to the alarming rate of road accidents in the country. According to the latest Ministry of Road Transport and Highways data, over 151,000 people died in road accidents in 2019. Consequently, raising awareness regarding responsible road usage and the importance of infrastructure development to ensure safe travel is crucial for India.

On this day in India, various activities are held nationwide to commemorate the victims of road accidents and their families. These events can include seminars and workshops focusing on road safety measures, candlelight vigils and memorials in memory of the victims, and activities that involve the participation of local communities, schools, and non-governmental organisations. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday of November every year, reaffirming India's commitment to reducing the number of road traffic accidents and ensuring safer roads for all.

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.
• The majority of the road traffic victims in India are pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. These vulnerable road users account for nearly 54% of all road traffic deaths in the country.
• According to the World Bank, road accidents cost India around 3% of its GDP annually, which is a considerable financial burden on the country's economy.

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

Top things to do in India 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.
• Plant trees, install road safety signs, or create memorial sites dedicated to victims of road traffic accidents. Work with local authorities or organizations to ensure that these sites have appropriate signage and serve as a reminder for safe driving.
• Utilize social media platforms to share stories of road crash victims, provide statistics, and raise awareness about road safety. Encourage people to pledge for safer driving habits by using designated hashtags, sharing informative videos, or conducting online competitions related to road safety.