The RSA is asking all road users today to reflect on their road behaviours as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed.
Since its inception in 1993, the day has played a crucial role in honouring the millions who have been killed or seriously injured on the roads globally.
In Ireland, this day serves as a poignant reminder to improve road safety behaviours, acknowledges the critical contributions of emergency services, medical professionals, and An Garda Síochána.
It also provides a platform for people to share their stories and preserve the memory of their loved ones.
So far this year, 149 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, though this is 16 fewer road deaths by the same date in 2023.
A special reception was held in Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin last week to launch the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Meghann Scully, journalist, presenter and author said at the event: “This is an opportunity for me to share my brother’s story and that of my family’s experience of loss and grief. We miss him dearly. No matter how dark the days are, and how lonely grieving can feel, know that there is always someone there to support you. Today is an opportunity to have that support and celebrate the life of a loved one lost and for those with serious injuries to know that there is support out there, you are not alone.”
Laura Rice spoke of her beloved father Alan who was killed in a collision with a car that driving on the wrong side of the road in South Dublin in April 2021. ''Grief is a lonely journey, as unique and personal as a fingerprint. It sits within you, a constant companion, left in the place of losing someone you love in such a shocking way. My Dad, Alan Rice, was riding his motorcycle home when he was in a collision with a man carelessly driving.
“Each day I am reminded of his absence, shock protects you for only so long, and grief forms this new version of yourself that only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand. This event is a chance to remember and honour those we loved and miss dearly; our loved ones are the people behind the growing statistics.''
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “Today we pay respect to those who have been tragically injured or taken from families as a result of a road collision. Every story of loss is individual, and the journey of grief is very personal to each family. I particularly acknowledge the courage of those family members speaking today, and sharing their stories of loss or life changing, serious injuries.
“Coming together is important and today is an opportunity to unite in support of others. RSA are wholly committed to making our roads safer and I ask all road users to use the day to reflect on their road behaviours.”
On 26th October 2005, the United Nations adopted a resolution which calls for governments to mark the third Sunday in November each year as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
This day provides an opportunity to draw the public’s attention to road traffic crashes, their consequences and costs, and the measures which can be taken to prevent them.
The day also provides an opportunity to remind governments and society of their responsibility to make roads safer.
While road traffic deaths are counted in the year they occur, a family remains bereaved forever. The bereaved are not counted or included in road traffic injury data.
Many others remain deeply affected by the loss of a friend, colleague, neighbour or member of the community.
The effect on the emergency services, whose work involves facing the consequences of crashes on a daily basis, is also profound. Road traffic injuries leave behind shattered families and communities.
Events are being held nationwide to mark the day.
Source: RSA
