Remembering Road Traffic Victims

November 19, 2023, is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

This commemorative day serves as a strong reminder to all of us that millions have been killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads. We are reminded of the suffering of all the affected victims, families and communities and that our work in road safety is ongoing.

Over 50 million people have been killed since the first road death 125 years ago. This makes road safety one of the most pressing matters in modern society. Road deaths are the leading cause of death for young and middle-aged people and yet are mostly avoidable and preventable as fatalities most often occur due to law-breaking or negligence.

All road deaths are tragic and senseless and sudden death is particularly devastating. The death or serious injury of a loved one can produce deep trauma that in most cases will never heal. Furthermore, road fatalities create devastating economic impacts on countries and communities.

This day is not only about remembering and paying tribute to all people who have been killed and seriously injured on roads, but it’s also a day to discuss and promote evidence-based actions that work to stop further road traffic deaths and injuries. Since the founding of Acusensus, we have been working to produce innovative enforcement solutions to eliminate road fatalities. Enforcement solutions work because they make consequences more frequent and notable to drivers in a far less destructive way than a crash, injury or death. Lessons need to be learnt from dangerous driver behaviours so that they may not be repeated and tragedy can be prevented.

The slogan of this year’s World Remembrance Day is ‘REMEMBER. SUPPORT. ACT.’

We encourage these actions to be a part of our everyday life as we travel. Road trauma is not an unavoidable cost of mobility. It is avoidable and it can start with you. Remember to take responsibility for yourself and others and choose to be safe on roads by obeying road rules.

Picture Credit: World Day of Remembrance