Hundreds of students from IIS University and SBIOA Public School gathered on Thursday at Patrika Gate, Jawahar Circle, Jaipur, to observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. Organized by People’s Trust Jaipur in collaboration with the Asian Road Safety Academy and PRSI Jaipur Chapter, the event brought together young people and road safety advocates to spotlight the urgent need for safer roads.
A Global Movement To Remember, Act
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, first initiated in 1993 by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims and recognised by the United Nations in 2005, has grown into a powerful worldwide movement.
Observed annually, it honors lives lost in road traffic incidents, supports grieving families, and renews calls for safer road conditions. Today’s event in Jaipur was a poignant reminder of this mission, as students formed a human chain in a visible show of solidarity and commitment to change.
Dr Prerana Arora, CEO of People’s Trust Jaipur, remarked, “This is more than a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. Children and youth deserve safe roads, and it is our duty to protect them and ensure a future free from road-related tragedies.”
Global Commemorations, Calls For Road Safety
Across the world, communities observe the World Day of Remembrance with vigils, memorial ceremonies, and awareness campaigns. Cities like New York, London, and Jaipur come together to light candles and share stories of loved ones lost in road incidents, creating a network of support and advocacy for safer streets. Key landmarks are often illuminated, and impactful social media campaigns amplify the message, reaching a global audience. These events bring together survivors, families, emergency responders, and advocates, united by a common purpose: to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries.
Impacting Policy, Road Safety Measures
The growing recognition of this day has influenced governments to prioritise road safety as a public health issue, resulting in the implementation of stricter safety measures, such as speed limits, helmet and seatbelt laws, and actions against distracted driving.
Infrastructure improvements, such as safer pedestrian crossings and enhanced traffic management systems, have also been driven by the observance’s impact. Global initiatives, including the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety and the Global Plan for Road Safety, aim to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030, underscoring the need for both immediate and long-term strategies.
Message For Future Generations
Coinciding with Children’s Day, the Jaipur event conveyed a vital message for young people, emphasising the need for safer roads for the next generation. This aligns with the UN’s Future Generation Program, which advocates for sustainable development and child protection. The students’ human chain, coupled with banners calling for systemic changes, served as a reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility, demanding continuous advocacy and policy advancements.
The event concluded with a moment of silence to honour those who have lost their lives in road incidents, underscoring the importance of sustained commitment to road safety. As communities worldwide observe the World Day of Remembrance, people are reminded of their collective duty to ensure safer roads. Today’s human chain in Jaipur is a powerful example of the global movement towards a future where road traffic fatalities and injuries are no longer a tragic reality.
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