World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed
For Immediate Release: Nov 19 2021
Bismarck, ND - Families and friends of those who lost their life in motor vehicle crashes gathered with state and local officials to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at the state capitol Friday.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an international event held annually. The event honors the millions of people killed and millions more injured on the world’s roads each year and calls for change to prevent such tragedies. This is the first year World Day of Remembrance was observed in person in North Dakota. Vison Zero organizers held the event to raise awareness and honor the lives lost every year on North Dakota roads.
“Those in attendance today know the devastating impact of lives lost or changed forever by vehicle crashes. When it comes to the lives of our friends and family, the only acceptable number of serious injuries and fatalities on North Dakota roads is zero,” said Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford.
Today’s event included a temporary memorial created by families of road traffic victims by showcasing shoes to represent the shoes of loved ones that are no longer filled. Flowers were also donated by Concrete Daisiez. A moment of silence was observed for 94 seconds to represent the 94 lives lost on North Dakota roads so far in 2021.
Despite a pandemic, 100 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2020, the same as 2019.
“Traffic fatalities and injuries on North Dakota roads are largely preventable when everyone takes personal responsibility when traveling,” said NDDOT Director Bill Panos. “Today we remember those we have lost, but also enhance the voices of those who have been most impacted by traffic crashes – the families and the survivors – as we all advocate for behaviors that will lead to the goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.”
North Dakotans can honor loved ones on the award-winning, virtual Crash Memorial Wall, which was built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads. Launched in 2015, the virtual wall contains 30 memorials.
Learn more about the Vision Zero strategy and its traffic safety campaigns at VisionZero.ND.gov.
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