World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims aims to pay tribute to victims of road accidents and to raise awareness about road safety issues. The day not only commemorates those who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic incidents but also recognises the work of emergency services and support personnel who aid victims and their families. In addition, this observance aims to promote safer driving habits, better road infrastructure, and improved legislation to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

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 endorsed by the United Nations since 2005. In the United Kingdom, road safety is a critical issue. Significant progress has been made since the 1960s, with a substantial reduction in the number of fatalities and serious injuries. However, there is still room for improvement, as the Department for Transport reported 1,752 road deaths in the UK for the year ending June 2019.

Various events and activities are organised nationwide to observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. These may include memorial services, educational workshops, and awareness campaigns highlighting road safety's importance. Local authorities, organisations, and communities come together on this day to reflect on the consequences of road accidents and to advocate for measures that can prevent future tragedies. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday of November each year.

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.
• About 60% of fatal crashes occur on rural roads, while 90% of serious casualties occur in urban areas.
• Young drivers, especially those aged 17-24, are disproportionately involved in road traffic accidents. They represent just 7% of the driving population but account for around 20% of the drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Take the time to remember and honor any friends or family members who have lost their lives in road traffic accidents. Light a candle, create a small shrine, or display their photos. Spend some time reflecting on their lives and the impact they had.
• Make a personal commitment to road safety by taking a road safety pledge. Promise to follow traffic rules, avoid distractions while driving, use seatbelts, and advocate for safer roads. Share your pledge on social media and encourage others to do the same.