"World Day of Remembrance: Reflecting on Road Traffic Victims"

"17th November: A Day to Celebrate, Inspire and Reflect”

Honoring Lives on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

“On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we honor the 1.19 million lives lost every year on the world’s roads.  Each death represents a profound tragedy for families, communities, and societies”. United nations says on Secretary-General's message on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Every year on Third Sunday of November, the world comes together to observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. It’s a day to honor those who have lost their lives or been injured in road accidents and to support their families. The day also reminds us of the importance of road safety and the need for action to prevent further tragedies.

How This Day Began

 It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/60/5. This day brings global attention to the impact of road accidents on individuals and families, while emphasizing the need for improved road safety measures.

First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety

A Milestone Event to Tackle Road Traffic Injuries

The First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety took place on November 19^th and 20^th day of 2009, in Moscow, Russia. Hosted by the Government of the Russian Federation and initiated at the request of the United Nations General Assembly, this historic event marked a significant step in addressing road safety as a global priority.

Opening of the Conference

The conference was inaugurated by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and brought together approximately 1,500 participants. Attendees included ministers, representatives from United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and private companies, all united by a common goal: to tackle the rising number of road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Objectives and Focus

The conference provided a platform to discuss the critical global issue of road safety and its consequences. The key goals were:

1.    Addressing the Global Impact: Recognizing the significant and growing effects of road traffic accidents, including loss of lives and economic costs.

2.    Reviewing Progress: Evaluating advancements in the implementation of the recommendations from the World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention.

3.    Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices: Encouraging the exchange of information, effective strategies, and innovations in road safety management.

Major Outcome: Decade of Action for Road Safety

On November 20, 2009, the conference concluded with a landmark recommendation:

• Participants called upon the United Nations General Assembly to declare 2011–2020 as the “Decade of Action for Road Safety.”
• The primary goal of this decade was to stabilize and then reduce global road traffic fatalities by 2020 through coordinated global efforts.

Second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety

On November 18^th and 19^th day of 2015, representatives from around the world gathered in Brasília, Brazil, for the Second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety. This marked only the second time in history that ministers and officials from transport, health, and interior ministries convened to tackle the pressing issue of road safety on a global scale.

The conference brought together 2,200 delegates from more than 110 countries. Among the prominent speakers were Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, who emphasized the urgent need for action to combat the growing road safety crisis.

Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety

A Collaborative Effort for Safer Roads

The Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety was held on February 19–20, 2020, bringing together representatives from around the world to address one of the most pressing global issues—road safety. The conference saw participation from 140 countries, with over 1,700 delegates in attendance. Among them were more than 70 ministers and deputy ministers, alongside key representatives from international agencies, civil society organizations, foundations, and private sector companies.

Hosted by Sweden in Collaboration with WHO

The conference was hosted by the Government of Sweden in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It was organized at the request of the United Nations General Assembly to align efforts in achieving the global agenda for road safety.

Theme: "Achieving Global Goals 2030"

The theme of the conference, "Achieving Global Goals 2030," highlighted the critical connection between road safety and broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants discussed strategies to integrate road safety into national and global development plans, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among governments, organizations, and industries.

Details on country progress towards the UN road safety goals for India.

Population-     1407.6 million

Reported road traffic fatalities-   153972   Year 2021

WHO estimated road traffic deaths per Lack-   15.4 person’s   year 2021

for more update click

Target

1)    India has a national strategy that includes several short-term action plans, as well as measurable and time-bound targets to reduce deaths and serious injuries (both to be reduced by 50% over the period 2020–2030).

2)   Designs for new road infrastructure projects mandate a formal road safety audit and star/safety rating assessment before construction, considering the safety of all road users, and is applicable to all roads across the country. These standards are aligned with all UN conventions. There is no target set for full compliance.

3)   By 2030, more than 75% of travel on existing roads will be on roads that meet technical standards for all road users, taking road safety into account.

4)   By 2030, the proportion of vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit will be halved and speed-related injuries and deaths will be reduced.

5)   By 2030, increase the proportion of motorcycle riders correctly using standard helmets to close to 100%.

6)   By 2030, increase the proportion of motor vehicle passengers using safety belts or standard child-restraint systems to close to 100%

7)   Halve the number of road traffic injuries and deaths involving drink-drivers and/or reduce deaths involving other psychoactive substances by 2030.

8)   By 2030, all countries will have national laws to restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.

9)   By 2030, all countries must introduce regulations for driving time and rest periods for professional drivers and/or accept international/regional regulation in this area. By 2030, all countries will set and achieve national targets to reduce the time gap between a road traffic accident and the provision of first professional emergency care.

Ref- www.un.org

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