World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed at the Capitol
For Immediate Release: Nov 18 2023
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.
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 third year Vison Zero has held the event to raise awareness and honor the lives lost every year on North Dakota roads.
Speakers this year included first responders as a part of Crash Responder Safety week, Nov. 13-17. They provided a first-hand perspective on the impact crashes have on first responders and the importance of taking personal responsibility when traveling.
“Responding to crashes is not an easy task, because there are times, you’re not sure what type of scene you are arriving at,” said Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben. “First responders must keep their composure because they have a job to do, however that doesn't mean what they encounter doesn’t have an impact. When everyone takes personal responsibility, impact on first responders is greatly reduced.”
Today’s event included a temporary memorial created by families of road traffic victims with items to represent their loved ones. Lois Two Bears has attended the event each year and today spoke about the loss of her mother, Blanche, in 2012.
“She was a fun-loving individual. People liked her immediately after meeting her for the first time. We called her “Grandma B”, and everyone misses her,” explains Two Bears.
Two Bears has honored her mother as a part of North Dakota’s virtual Crash Memorial Wall, which was built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads. Families who have lost loved ones on North Dakota roads are invited to honor loved ones through a virtual memorial rather than a roadside one.
Concrete Daisiez donated flowers for the families in attendance and a moment of silence was observed for ## seconds to represent the ## lives lost on North Dakota roads so far in 2023.
Learn more about the Vision Zero strategy and its traffic safety campaigns at VisionZero.ND.gov.
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