World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed each year on the third Sunday of November and offers a moment to honour all those killed or seriously injured on the world’s roads as well as the families and communities that are affected. In 2025, this day will fall on November 16.

History of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The day originated in 1993 when the UK-based charity RoadPeace held the first remembrance events for road-crash victims. In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 60/5, formally recognising the third Sunday in November as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Since then the observance has grown globally—with governments, NGOs and communities holding ceremonies, moments of silence, and campaigns focused on road-safety and victim support.

Why is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims important?

This day is important because road-traffic injuries and fatalities remain a major global public-health challenge—affecting individuals, families and societies in profound ways. By dedicating a day to remembrance, the observance ensures that victims and their loved ones are not forgotten, and it highlights the human cost behind statistics.
It also serves as a catalyst for action: the day invites governments, organisations and the public to reflect on how roads can be made safer, how support can be improved for victims and survivors, and how the cycle of loss might be reduced in future.

Here are five simple things the day underlines:

• That every life lost or changed by a road crash has a story and a community behind it.
• That survivors and families of traffic victims often need more support, acknowledgement and justice.
• That emergency services, medical responders and recovery professionals play a vital role.
• That road-safety measures—such as safe infrastructure, responsible behaviour and effective enforcement—can save lives.
• That remembrance can lead to change when communities commit to safer roads for everyone.

How to Observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

On this day, you might take time to participate in or organise a local moment of remembrance: a candlelight vigil, a minute’s silence, a walk or gathering in honour of victims. You could also engage in a road-safety awareness activity: share a story of a victim, advocate for safer roads in your community, or support organisations that help survivors. Emotionally, the day invites both grief and hope: grief for lives lost or changed, and hope for a future where fewer people are harmed on our roads.
Here are five practical ideas to observe:

• Attend or organise a local memorial event or participate in an online remembrance activity.
• Share on social media a tribute or remembrance for road-traffic victims, using hashtags such as #WDoR or #RoadTrafficVictims.
• Support or volunteer for an organisation that assists victims of road crashes or works on road-safety advocacy.
• Take a moment personally to reflect on how you use roads (as driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist) and what small changes you can make for safer travel.
• Encourage your local community (neighbours, schools, clubs) to hold a road-safety discussion or event in connection with the day.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Dates Table