World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims

16.11.14
The FIA today joins in commemorations underway worldwide to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims.

The third Sunday of November each year is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed and injured annually on the world’s roads, as well as the family members and friends affected by this tragedy. This year the day is dedicated to raising awareness on the critical role speeding plays in road accidents. 
 
FIA President Jean Todt said: “Today is an important occasion for people to take a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of life on the world’s roads which takes place every year. 1.3 million lives are lost annually and 50 million more injured. We cannot let this continue. This year we pay special attention to the devastating role speeding plays in far too many road accidents. We must have absolutely zero tolerance of speeding on the road. The FIA and our worldwide network of clubs are calling on governments to ensure speed limits are in place and enforced, and for drivers to obey the rules. Racing can only ever be for the track, under strictly regulated conditions.”
 
Global Road Safety Ambassador Michelle Yeoh said: “Today is an opportunity to remember the thousands who lose their lives on the world’s roads daily, and the heartbreaking loss which mothers, fathers, sons and daughters are left with as a result. Most people don’t realise the scale of this catastrophe we face – every single day 500 children lose their lives on dangerous roads. We know that speeding is a leading key factor in accidents, so governments have a moral responsibility to ensure effective laws which restrict speeding are in place to protect all road users."
 
The FIA’s Action for Road Safety campaign, launched in May 2011 to support the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, has mobilised and funded activities worldwide for the education and training of safer drivers. The campaign encourages governments to take action to introduce new legislative measure to improve road safety, while also encouraging motorists to be responsible when driving, for example through the  promotion of the campaign’s ‘Ten Golden Rules for Safer Driving’. Rule three stresses the importance of obeying the speed limit at all times.