World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global observance aimed at honouring the memory of those who have lost their lives or have been injured in road traffic accidents, as well as providing support to their families. This day also brings awareness to the impact of road crashes on individuals, communities, and the need for preventive measures to reduce such occurrences. The observance seeks to emphasize the importance of road safety and promote collaborative efforts between governments, organizations, and citizens to implement effective policies for the prevention of road traffic injuries.

Initiated in 1993 by RoadPeace, a British road traffic victims' charity, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, making it an official observance. South Africa has a significant number of road accidents, resulting in the death or injury of approximately 14,000 individuals annually. Factors such as speeding, driving under the influence, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to these incidents. As part of a global effort, South African government and non-governmental organizations have been implementing policies and awareness campaigns targeting improved road safety and reducing fatalities and injuries.

In South Africa, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated through various activities and events, including memorial services, educational programmes, and media campaigns aimed at highlighting the importance of road safety. Organizations, authorities, and communities come together to acknowledge the consequences of road traffic accidents and reaffirm their commitment to improve road safety. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday of November each year, making it an important date for South Africans to unite against the ongoing challenge of road traffic accidents.

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.
• Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of intentional and unintentional injury-related deaths. They account for more than 58% of all injury-related fatalities in South Africa.
• Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged between 15 and 29 in South Africa.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Encourage your family members to make a pledge or commitment to follow safe road practices. This could include promises to wear seatbelts, never text and drive, avoid drunk driving, or maintain a safe speed. Write these pledges down and display them at home as a reminder throughout the year.
• Take the time to recognize and appreciate the efforts of emergency responders, such as paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, who often risk their lives to save road accident victims. You can create thank-you cards or send messages of gratitude to local emergency service providers.