World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Quick Facts - EU

AKA NameWorld Day of Remembrance, Lá Cuimhneacháin Domhanda d'Íospartaigh Thrácht ar Bhóithre
HashtagsCompiled on#RoadSafety
2023 Date19 November 2023
2024 Date17 November 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

EU Country Common Holidays
EU Country National Holidays
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World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

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The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an important global observance, intended to honor the memory of countless lives lost or changed forever due to road accidents. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the work of emergency services, police, and medical professionals who respond to such incidents and offer support to affected families. Furthermore, the event seeks to raise public awareness and promote actions to prevent traffic accidents and their repercussions.

Established in 1993 and endorsed by the United Nations in 2005, this day of remembrance has gained international recognition and support. For the European Union, road safety is a pressing concern, with over 25,000 lives lost on EU roads in 2019 alone, and many more suffering life-changing injuries. In response, the EU has implemented the Vision Zero strategy, aiming to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2050. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an occasion for EU citizens to come together, remember those affected, and work towards enhancing road safety measures.

Each year, on the third Sunday of November, the European Union recognizes and observes the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Various events and activities are held across the EU member states, such as memorial services, educational workshops, and public awareness campaigns. These observances are dedicated to the victims and their families, as well as to those who tirelessly work to save lives and prevent further accidents. The ultimate goal is to create safer roads for everyone, ensuring that the loss and suffering caused by road traffic accidents become a thing of the past.

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.
  • The European Union has set a target to reduce the number of road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with the long-term goal of achieving zero road fatalities in the region.
  • There is considerable variation in road fatality rates among EU member states. In 2019, Romania had the highest rate with 96 deaths per million inhabitants, while Sweden had the lowest rate with only 22 deaths per million.

Top things to do in the EU 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.
  • Collaborate with local communities, schools, and universities to engage young people in road safety initiatives. Arrange road safety workshops, poster competitions, or theater performances to educate the younger generation about the importance of responsible and safe behavior on the roads.
  • Organize discussion panels and workshops focused on road safety issues. Invite experts, stakeholders, and victims' families to share their experiences and discuss measures to prevent road traffic accidents. These events can also provide a platform for sharing information on available support systems for victims and their families.

References and related sites

www.un.org: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims History
worlddayofremembrance.org: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2021

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