On Sunday, 17th November 2024, communities across the UK and around the world came together to commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
This day, observed every third Sunday of November, serves as a global opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in road crashes, while also supporting the families and communities left to cope with the devastating aftermath.
At RoadPeace, we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this year’s events possible. From our dedicated volunteers, members and local groups, to our staff working behind the scenes – your tireless efforts ensured that each service was a meaningful moment of reflection and remembrance.
A nationwide effort to remember and inspire change
On 17th November, services of remembrance were held in various locations across the UK, offering a space for bereaved families, survivors, and supporters to come together. These gatherings not only honoured the memory of those lost but also provided a platform to call for greater action to prevent future tragedies.
World Day of Remembrance (WDoR) was initiated in 1993 by Brigitte Chaudhry, the founder of RoadPeace. What began as a few church services in the UK has since grown into a global movement, with organisations worldwide marking the day to remember road crash victims and advocate for safer roads.
The numbers we cannot ignore
Since that first WDoR in 1993, an estimated 36.8 million people have been killed in road traffic crashes globally—a sobering figure that underscores the urgency of our mission. Each year, approximately 1.19 million lives are lost, making road traffic injuries the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29. This ongoing crisis is a stark reminder of why we must continue to push for change.
Moving forward: Advocacy and action
This year’s World Day of Remembrance was not only about looking back, but also about looking forward. It highlighted the need for a new approach to road danger reduction – one that prioritises prevention and saves lives. In preparation for the day, RoadPeace provided a range of resources to support local groups and stakeholders in raising awareness and organising impactful events. From press release templates to social media graphics, these tools helped amplify our shared message: road deaths are preventable, and together, we can make a difference.
A heartfelt thank you
To everyone who participated – whether you attended a service, organised an event, shared a social media post or simply took a moment to remember – we extend our deepest thanks. Your involvement is a vital part of our collective effort to honour road crash victims and advocate for safer streets.
As we move beyond World Day of Remembrance 2024, RoadPeace remains committed to supporting those affected by road crashes and driving forward the Vision Zero goal – a future where no more lives are needlessly lost on our roads.
Updated on: 26 November 2024