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SunNov 17

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims – November 17, 2024

This year, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is on November 21. It is observed on every third Sunday in November, and this World Health Organization and United Nations recognized holiday was founded by RoadPeace, a British charity organization, to acknowledge and commemorate the victims of road crashes and their bereaved families. Almost 4,000 people are killed and hundreds of thousands are injured on roads worldwide — every single day! The loss of a loved one to senseless violence, and the apathy of the judiciary and the government, is too much for a family to bear. The remembrance day encourages people to share resources and offer critical support to the millions affected by this recurring, preventable tragedy. 

History of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Brigitte Chaudhry MBE lived a seemingly inconsequential life with her husband and son until one day, fate rolled the dice and made her the central figure in Global Road Traffic Victim advocacy. In 1990, a fatal accident killed her only son, 26-year-old Mansoor, and Chaudhry sought justice. The response she received was less than ideal. Not only did she find it hard to protest his death in court, but the scorn of her community, and the apathy of the judicial system, sent a jolt down her spine. Shocked by the shabby treatment of her son’s death, Chaudhry founded RoadPeace, a British charity for road crash victims. RoadPeace operates a 24/7 helpline, providing emotional support and practical advocacy to the people affected by road crashes. 

In 1993, RoadPeace founded The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to give public recognition to the pain and suffering of millions of people. The day has reached more than 30 countries within the last decade and is now a global event, observed in solemn remembrance of the lives we have lost to the senseless tragedy of road crashes. Each year has a theme. Some past themes have been “Life is not a car part” and “First Responders.”

The remembrance has also helped the U.K. Government change its posture towards the victims of road crashes and understand the enormity of the crisis. Through RoadPeace, Chaudhry’s singular aim is to change the attitude of people towards road traffic victims. Today, her tireless advocacy brings together thousands of bereaved families.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims timeline

1896
First British Fatal Car Accident

Bridget Driscoll is knocked over by a 20-year-old with only three weeks of driving experience outside Crystal Palace, London, becoming the first pedestrian to be killed by a vehicle in the U.K.

1990
Chaudhry’s Tragedy

Brigitte Chaudhry MBE loses her only son to a road accident when the driver of a van jumps a red light and plows into him at a junction.

1992
RoadPeace Foundation

Shocked by the shabby treatment of her son’s death, Brigitte Chaudhry establishes the RoadPeace Foundation.

1993
The Day of Remembrance

RoadPeace organizes the first World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

2005
The United Nations

The United Nations formally adopts the day to acknowledge the victims of road traffic crashes and their families.

2021
Open Letter of Remembrance

Brigitte Chaudhry MBE writes an open letter to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Bridget Driscoll’s death, the first British death caused by the driver of a vehicle.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims FAQs

What is the Good Samaritan Law?

The Good Samaritan Law was formed in assistance with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India to offer protection and support to bystanders who rush to help road traffic victims.

What is the goal of RoadPeace?

The central goal of RoadPeace is to change the attitude of society and the judiciary towards road traffic victims. It is inspired by Founder Brigitte Chaudhry’s personal experience of seeing her son’s treatment as a ‘third-class victim’ and the dismissal of his death as trivial.

Which country has the highest road traffic fatalities?

India has the highest road traffic fatalities, with over 450,000 road crashes reported each year. Although it accounts for only 1% of the world’s vehicles, 11% of road accidents happen on Indian roads.

How To Observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

  1. Organize a memorial for the road traffic victims of your community

    There’s a good chance that a bereaved family lives in your community. On the third Sunday of November, you can bring people together to uplift the grieving family and surround them with love, care, and camaraderie.

  2. Acknowledge the crucial work of emergency service providers

    With their swift and diligent work, first responders and emergency service providers have saved countless lives and prevented many disabilities. On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, throw a soiree in their honor.

  3. Promote evidence-based actions to prevent road accidents

    Driving within the speed limit, obeying traffic rules, wearing a seat belt/helmet, installing anti-skid brake systems, and using reflectors, are some of the safety measures that you can adopt to minimize road accidents. Share the message within your community.

5 Important Facts About Road Accidents

  1. The 3 D’s of death

    Drunk driving, distraction, and disobeying traffic laws are all major propellers of road accidents.

  2. Stay home on Saturdays

    The greatest number of car crash deaths have occurred on Saturdays.

  3. Yes to mobile, no to safety

    Phone calls while driving can increase the risk of a crash by four times, and texting can increase it by 23 times.

  4. Rest saves lives

    Fatigued and sleepy drivers are responsible for 20% of all road crashes.

  5. Safety accessories are good, actually

    Helmets can decrease the mortality risk by 40%, whereas seat belts can reduce the risk of severe injuries by 61%.

Why World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is Important

  1. It sheds light on the enormous impact

    More than 1.3 million people are killed on the road each year. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims brings attention to the mind-boggling number of preventable deaths each year and the lack of response from the governing bodies of most countries.

  2. It advocates for an end to the carnage

    RoadPeace believes that proper awareness, appropriate training, and access to safety accessories can save many lives. The third Sunday of November campaigns for the availability of these tools to the greater public.

  3. It encourages support for the affected families

    Road deaths are violent, traumatic, and most of all, very sudden. The #WDoR community comforts the bereaved family members confronted with the inappropriate, inadequate, and often unsympathetic response from society and the government.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims dates

YearDateDay
2022November 20Sunday
2023November 19Sunday
2024November 17Sunday
2025November 16Sunday
2026November 15Sunday

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