Held on the third Sunday of every November, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims pays tribute to the millions of people hurt and killed in traffic crashes each year worldwide.
November 17, 2024 marks this year's World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR), where events will be held worldwide to remember the millions of traffic crash victims each year and provide a space for their families and communities to grieve and advocate for action. The day also acknowledges the traumatic work of emergency and medical workers being the frontline response to road crashes.
Photo credit: World Health Organization, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
"This Day has also become an important tool for governments and all those whose work involves crash prevention or response to the aftermath of crashes," the WDoR website states. "It offers the opportunity to demonstrate the enormous scale and impact of road deaths and injuries, call for an end to the often trivial and inappropriate response to road death and injury, and advocate for urgent concerted action to stop the carnage."
According to Vision Zero Network, existing safety strategies to manage speeds and redesign roads can save an estimated 31,000 lives annually, but more political and public will is required to implement these strategies on our roads.
The WDoR serves as a day to advocate for appropriately serious responses to road deaths and injuries by government and community officials, as well as to implement solutions that prevent these injuries and fatalities from occuring again.
To find WDoR events in your area, visit the WDoR Events webpage and the WDoR in the United States Events & Activities webpage.