FIA SUPPORTED THE WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

USPA NEWS - On 18 November, the FIA community supported the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) on the theme “Roads Have Stories“. Initiated by road victims in 1993, celebrated by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) since 1995 and endorsed by the United Nations in 2005, WDR commemorates the many millions killed or injured on the world´s roads, as well as the families and friends who are immeasurably affected by the loss of a loved one. The day is a moment to draw attention to the emotional and economic devastation caused by road crashes, and to recognise the suffering of road crash victims as well as the brave work of support and rescue services.

On 18 November, the FIA community supported the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) on the theme “Roads Have Stories“. Initiated by road victims in 1993, celebrated by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) since 1995 and endorsed by the United Nations in 2005, WDR commemorates the many millions killed or injured on the world´s roads, as well as the families and friends who are immeasurably affected by the loss of a loved one. The day is a moment to draw attention to the emotional and economic devastation caused by road crashes, and to recognise the suffering of road crash victims as well as the brave work of support and rescue services.----------------------------------------- Linked to the second pillar of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, the theme of this year´s WDR is “Roads Have Stories“. It emphasises that roads are more than just a way to get from point A to point B ““ they also often have a tragic story to tell which must be remembered. FIA President Jean Todt, who also serves as the United Nations Secretary-General´s Special Envoy for Road Safety, said: “Every year, 1.3 million lives are lost on the world´s roads and between 20 and 50 million people are left seriously injured. This is in addition to the countless families and friends who are tragically affected by road crashes. I would like everyone to take a moment today, on the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, to think of the victims and their families and to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews. I also encourage governments, the private sector and citizens to make road safety a priority.“ At the invitation of FEVR, Jean Todt went to Barcelona on 18 November and will go to Malta on 19 November to attend the WDR official commemoration ceremonies. The FIA and its Member Clubs have always prioritised road safety, regularly working in partnership with other mobility stakeholders to rally and engage international leaders on the issue. WDR is an important opportunity to raise awareness on the road safety challenge and the urgent need for action. All the FIA championships also supported the World Day of Remembrance by organising family pictures with their drivers in Brazil, Australia, China (Shanghai and Macau) and Portugal. Source : FIA