World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed
For Immediate Release: Nov 18 2022
Bismarck, ND - Families and friends of those who lost their lives or were severely injured 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 second time 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.
“Preserving the memory of loved ones lost due to road traffic crashes is vital to reducing crashes on North Dakota roads. Their memory reminds us that these are not statistics, but friends, family, and loved ones,” said Lt. 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 97 seconds to represent the 97 lives lost on North Dakota roads so far in 2022.
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 31 memorials.
Learn more about the Vision Zero strategy and its traffic safety campaigns at VisionZero.ND.gov.
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