World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 was commemorated on 17 November.
“Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights progress in reducing road traffic fatalities, but our journey to reduce road traffic deaths by half by 2030 is far from over.
By improving infrastructure, enforcing safety laws, strengthening international partnerships and promoting responsible behaviour, we can prevent future deaths and make roads safer for everyone, everywhere.
Together, let us build a future where every journey ends safely.“
Read the full statement HERE.
“Remember the 3300 people lost on the world’s roads every day; Support those who are bereaved and those who suffer long-lasting consequences from physical and psychological trauma; and Act to prevent such tragedies today and in the future.“
During the Alliance’s Latin American Chapter Regional Meeting in Mexico 5-7 November, the Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Víctimas Contra la Violencia Vial (FICVI) and the Coalición de Movilidad Segura led the No More Road Victims Movilitour in commemoration of World Day of Remembrance event. Participants used various means of sustainable transportation to tour emblematic places in the historic center of Mexico City, including El Zócalo, the Angel of Independence and the Palace of Fine Arts, which were illuminated in yellow to commemorate road victims.
This year’s COP was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. To draw attention to the connection between safe and sustainable mobility and the climate agenda, Alliance and EASST member AMAK held a World Day of Remembrance commemoration in the Deniz shopping mall in Baku. The event included an Interactive Memorial Display on which shoppers and passersby were encouraged to write names people they know or have known to be involved in road traffic crashes and stick them on a visual representation of a car to create a striking image of the impact of road crashes on people’s lives.
Alliance members from across the world commemorated the World Day of Remembrance with symbolic actions, advocacy events, and ceremonies.
“The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to learn from tragedies and prevent them from happening again … For our Organization, it is a tribute to our loved ones that allows us to raise awareness so that others do not have to suffer the loss of a loved one.” Estrellas de Neuquen placed floral tributes on the bank of the Limay river.
“It is important to have a day to honor our loved ones. It is also a day to insist on awareness.” Asociacion Madres del Dolor used kites with yellow stars to remember road victims and held events with national and municipal authorities.
“Luchemos por la Vida carried out various activities in her memory and to change this sad reality because, in Argentina, 17 people died per day in traffic.” Luchemos por la Vida worked with media and distributed posters and wrote a letter to Pope Francis to raise awareness.
“In essence, the World Day of Remembrance is vital in fostering a culture of road safety, compassion, and proactive change within society. It enriches the work of those dedicated to preventing road traffic injuries and ensuring that no one else has to endure the pain of loss due to preventable accidents.” BRAC held motorcycle awareness training and held a discussion including media starting with a minute’s silence.
“This day is very important for us and allows us to analyze the causes of crashes and to make proposals for the improvement of measures to protect users on the roads of Benin.” Alinagnon organized an awareness campaign in collaboration with other NGOs including Handicap International and Center for Road Safety in strategic areas of Benin’s major cities followed by the torchlight procession on the night in Cotonou. It also organized a procession of road safety actors in the city of Abomey Calavi followed by a wreath-laying.
“Beyond remembering the lives lost, it allows families and friends to transform the pain of absence into a tribute of love and awareness. By honoring these memories, we emphasize the importance of a collective commitment to preserving life.” Thiago de Moraes Gonzaga Foundation held an event at a memorial square in Porto Alegre, dedicated to victims of traffic crashes. Each year, the memorial receives new names, reinforcing the importance of road safety and the value of life.
“We work for the prevention of road crashes in educational, community and industrial environments.” Fundacion Tactic Vial held an workshop at a higher education institution.
“It serves as a method of healing and/or coexistence with the families of our fellow motorcyclists who have been affected by a traffic event, either directly or indirectly.” Asociación de Motociclistas Voluntarios Unidos por Guatemala held an event at the Monument to the Fallen Motorcyclist with testimonies of victims, placement of floral offerings, and media.
“World Remembrance Day represents a high point for sharing pain and emotions with victims of road crashes.” Prévention Action Sécurité Routière PASROUT held an event with victims.
“It is an emotional moment to bring the “why’s” of our work to the forefront, and an opportunity to connect with all who feel strongly for the cause and wish to join hands.” Raahgiri Foundation’s event culminated a 24-hour walk by a running group to highlight the lack of safe walking spaces in Gurgaon.
“No one, of course, can put price tag on a human life but there is loss to the community every time a bread-winner or a potential bread-winner is killed, by road accident.” R-Safe’s event was conducted in the bus terminus in Chennai with drivers and conductors, passengers and government officials.
“The World Day of Remembrance is an important day to remind the key stakeholders that road safety is a real issue that affects lives … road crashes must not be reduced to just data and numbers, because each life lost is a failure as part of the entire system which needs to be strengthened.” Parisar organized a joint cycle ride and silent march followed by an event where victims shared their stories.
“For the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Automobile Club of Moldova brought together communities to honor victims of road traffic crashes.” ACM’s events included flash mobs, awareness campaigns, and educational activities.
“The week is dedicated to say thanks to the committed emergency crews (NEMA), the FRSC, and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road crashes.” KRSD invited the general public to their 13th Annual Road Safety Conference and World Day of Remembrance event.
“A platform to keep on raising awareness on road safety: it is a day which draws attention to the consequences and costs of road traffic crashes, and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.” RSA Tanzania organized events in the community and with media.
“In Venezuela, and according to our statistics, motorcyclists are those most affected by traffic crashes, followed passengers … For those who survive an injury, the economic expense exceeds the expectations of complete healing, which limits their future potential.” Observatorio de Seguridad Vial held a moment of silence for road victims.
