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According to the United Nations, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims has become an essential tool in global efforts to prevent road accident deaths.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 theme is Remember. Support. Act. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is observed annually on the third Sunday of the month of November to remember the victims of road traffic accidents, who have died or been severely injured. This year, the day will be marked on November 17. According to the United Nations, the Day has become an essential tool in global efforts to prevent road accident deaths. Also, it provides an opportunity to bring attention to the extent of emotional and economic harm caused by road crashes.
Additionally, the day aims to provide a platform for victims and their families to acknowledge the work of emergency services and to raise awareness about how such tragedies can be avoided in the first place.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 Theme
The theme for this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is ‘Remember. Support. Act’ which aims to remember those killed and severely injured in traffic accidents, recognise emergency services’ efforts, advocate for victims and their families and promote traffic safety.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims History
The history of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims dates back to 1993. It was established by Road Peace to highlight it as a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Later in 2005, the United Nations recognised it as a global day, to be marked on the third Sunday in the month of November to honour the road accident victims and their family members. Since then, many governments, international organisations, and groups have observed and supported the World Day of Remembrance.
10 Road Safety Rules For Children
- Hold hands while crossing: Parents must teach their children about the importance of holding an adult’s hand when crossing the road, highlighting the significance of marked pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.
- Look Left-Right-Left: Encourage the habit of looking in both the directions carefully before crossing the road in your children to ensure road safety.
- Stay away from busy roads: Children under the age of 7 must never go near the road or try to cross it alone, as it can lead to major road accidents.
- Use Crosswalks: Children should use marked pedestrian crossings, such as zebra crossings and traffic signals while crossing the road, that too along with an adult.
- Understand Traffic Signals: Not just for the drivers, understanding the traffic signals is crucial for everyone to ensure road safety. Parents must educate their kids, the exact meaning of each traffic light, emphasising the importance of following them diligently.
- Stay on the sidewalks: Teach the kids to always use the sidewalks while walking near a busy road.
- Avoid Distractions while crossing: One of the biggest reasons for road accidents is distraction. Children must learn to focus when crossing the street. This means no texting, listening to music through headphones, playing games on a smartphone or talking to a friend.
- Never Run Across the road: Educate your child to never run across the road as it could increase the chance of tripping and misjudging the incoming traffic.
- Wear a Helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter: Bicycle or scooter accidents can result in severe head injuries. To avoid this mishappening, children should always wear a properly fitting helmet whether cycling or riding a scooter.
- Don’t Distract the Driver: When driving in a vehicle, children should be advised not to distract the driver by shouting, throwing objects, or making loud noises as this could lead to a major accident.
Follow these rules to ensure road safety for your children.