World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an international holiday observed on the third Sunday in November each year. The purpose of this holiday is not only to remember the millions of people who have lost their lives around the world to vehicular accidents but also to take steps to reduce vehicle fatalities in the future.

Around the world, approximately 1.4 million people are killed on roadways every year. That’s over 3,800 people every single day. That’s a number that we all can work towards reducing, and observing this holiday is a great place to start that process.

The History of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The first day of remembrance was organized by the founder of RoadPeace, Brigitte Chaudhry, in 1993. Two years later, the General Assembly of the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims added its support to the initiative.

By 1998, events were held all over the world, including not only in Australia and Argentina but also in Israel, Great Britain, and South Africa. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) added its support to the initiative, and two years later, the UN General Assembly invited all nations to observe the holiday as they deem appropriate.

Observing World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

All around the world, people attend candlelight vigils and special prayer services for those who have died in automobile accidents. However, these aren’t the only ways the dead are remembered on this day. Some people plant trees or lay wreaths on graves.

People also observe this day by attending seminars and conferences on the problem of automobile accidents throughout the world, and by participating in exhibitions or concerts. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #WDR on their social media accounts.