World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2023: Every day, people around the world are killed or seriously injured in road traffic crashes. These crashes are preventable, and yet they continue to happen at an alarming rate. In order to raise awareness about this global problem, the United Nations has designated November 20 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This date was chosen because it is the UN’s International Day for Tolerance, and what could be more important than tolerance on our roads? On this day, we remember those who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic crashes, and we recommit to working together to make our roads safer for everyone.
What is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims?
The UN General Assembly established it in 1993 to honor victims of traffic accidents and prevent them. It is also known as World Motorists’ Day or International Drive Safely Day.
On this day, people around the world take part in events to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic accidents. In many countries, there are ceremonies and marches, and people often lay flowers at roadside memorials. The day provides an opportunity for everyone to think about ways to make our roads safer.
WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS DATES
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an annual event that takes place on the third Sunday of November.
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | November 20 | Sunday |
2023 | November 19 | Sunday |
2024 | November 17 | Sunday |
2025 | November 16 | Sunday |
Why is it important to remember road traffic victims?
The world’s roads claim the lives of around 1.25 million people each year and seriously injure another 50 million. The vast majority of these crashes are preventable.
Victims of road traffic crashes are often forgotten. They are not counted in any official statistics, except as a number in a crash report. Yet they leave behind grieving families and friends who must cope with the aftermath of their loss.
The UN General Assembly established the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) in 2005 to honor the victims of traffic accidents and to raise awareness of the significance of road safety. It is observed every year on the third Sunday in November.
This year’s WDR falls on Sunday, November 20. The theme is “Speak Up For Road Safety – Prevent Life-Changing Injuries”. The day provides an opportunity for us to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic crashes, and to rededicate ourselves to improving road safety so that we can prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
Why is it important to remember road traffic victims?
1) To commemorate their lives: Road traffic crashes claim millions of lives each year, yet the victims are often forgotten. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims provides an opportunity for us to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic crashes, and to honor their memory
What can be done to prevent road traffic accidents?
Each year, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday in November. On this day, countries remember road traffic crash victims and their families and pledge to do more to prevent such tragedies.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent road traffic accidents, including:
1. Improving road infrastructure and making it safer for all users
2. Maintaining a proper driver’s license and insurance and enforcing traffic laws
3. Educating drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists about safe driving practices
4. Encouraging responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging drunk driving
5. Increasing the use of seatbelts, child safety seats, and other safety devices
How can we support road traffic victims and their families?
In the United States, a person is killed in a traffic crash every 12 minutes, and every 10 seconds someone is injured in a traffic crash. Road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 years old. Every year, 1.25 million people die in road traffic crashes, and an estimated 50 million are injured.
There are many ways to support road traffic victims and their families. One way is to donate to organizations that help victims and their families. Another way is to advocate for safer roads and stricter penalties for dangerous driving. You can also volunteer with victim support groups or participate in local events to raise awareness about the issue.
Conclusion
This World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a great opportunity to reflect on the millions of people who have lost their lives in road accidents. Let’s remember the victims and their families on this day, and recommit ourselves to making our roads safer. Taking better road safety measures and being more careful and considerate drivers can help. We must ensure that this day of remembrance is not just a somber occasion, but also a day of action.