This coming Sunday, November 15th marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Since deaths were first recorded in 1959, 23,752 people have been killed on roads in the Republic of Ireland.
Records began in 1931 in Northern Ireland and since then, 14,767 people have been killed on the roads.
This means that 38,519 people have died on Irish roads since the record system was first put in place.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe TD, the Environment Minister in Northern Ireland, Mark Durcan, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Fire & Rescue Services, local authorities and road safety groups want road-users throughout Ireland to mark remember road traffic victims this coming Sunday.
Speaking about the initiative, Liz O’Donnell, chairperson of the Road Safety Authority said: “We are delighted to team up with our colleagues in Northern Ireland to raise awareness of this very important day. In addition to those who have lost their lives thousands more have suffered serious, life-changing injuries.
“World Day of Remembrance reminds us how easily tragedy can happen but by making small changes to our behaviour on the roads, we can all help to prevent future tragedy. Never underestimate the role we as individuals can play in saving lives, each and every time we use the roads. Let’s all work together to share the roads responsibly”.
Since 2005, the United Nations has asked governments to remember road traffic victims on the third Sunday of November each year.
The Road Safety Authority, together with members of the emergency services, An Garda Síochána and road safety support groups have organised masses and commemorative events this Sunday.
These will take place throughout the country and a full list can be found on the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website.
