World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: Honoring Lives and Advocating for Safer Roads

Date: November 17, 2024

Road traffic injuries have become a leading global health crisis, particularly for people aged 5-29 years, according to the World Health Organization’s 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety. With an estimated 1.35 million road traffic deaths annually, the burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, especially in developing countries.

Efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.6, which aims to halve road traffic deaths by 2020, have been insufficient. More than half of all road fatalities are among vulnerable road users. The impact is felt more acutely in low-income countries where road safety measures and resources are limited compared to high-income nations.

Origins and Purpose of the Day

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, established through General Assembly resolution 60/5, is observed globally to highlight the devastating effects of road crashes. This day offers a platform to remember those killed or seriously injured, acknowledge the vital role of emergency and support services, and draw attention to inadequate legal responses to road traffic casualties. It also serves as an opportunity to advocate for better support for victims and their families and to promote evidence-based initiatives to prevent future tragedies.

The Day’s Objectives

The observance aims to:

• Remember and honor those killed and injured on roads worldwide.
• Recognize the essential work of emergency services and support teams.
• Highlight the need for stronger legal responses to road traffic deaths and injuries.
• Advocate for better care and support for road traffic victims and their families.
• Promote and implement effective strategies and policies to reduce road fatalities and injuries.

A dedicated website helps to raise awareness and connects countries through shared efforts to remember and prevent road traffic incidents.

The Decade of Action for Road Safety

In September 2020, the UN General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/74/299, launching the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030). This initiative seeks to cut global road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030. WHO and UN regional commissions, along with other partners, have devised a comprehensive Global Plan to support this goal.

A Focus on Children and Vulnerable Users

Global Road Safety Week, organized by the United Nations, highlights the plight of children and the need for enhanced safety measures on the world’s roads. Vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, face the highest risks. Efforts to improve their safety include educational campaigns, infrastructure changes, and policy measures tailored to prevent injuries and save lives.

Road Safety and Policy Advocacy

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims underscores the importance of ongoing advocacy, global cooperation, and practical measures to make roads safer for everyone. By remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries and recognizing the work of those on the front lines, we are reminded of the urgency to implement and support effective road safety strategies worldwide.

This annual observance is a powerful call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate and ensure safer roads for all, reducing the tragic toll of road traffic injuries and fatalities. Together, through collective efforts and shared commitment, we can strive for safer streets and fewer lives lost. #RoadSafety #RememberRoadVictims