Memorial events are taking place in Liverpool to remember the 1.24 million people who are killed every year on the world’s roads.
Those who have been bereaved or injured, together with those who support them, are invited to gather at the memorial to road crash victims in St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EL, on Sunday, 17th November at 1pm.
The event will also be attended by The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and other North-West Mayors, representatives of the emergency services and others who deal with road crashes and support road crash victims.
There will be a minute’s silence and then the release of five doves in memory of those who have died on our roads. On average, five people die each day in road crashes in this country. The daily toll has reduced from 10 to five in recent years but it is still an unacceptable toll.
Those attending will be invited into St George’s Hall for light refreshments and the chance to talk to each other.
At 3pm there will be a service of remembrance in the Concert Room of St George’s Hall during which the names of those who have died will be read. The choir from St Chad’s R.C. and C. of E. High School, Runcorn and St Nicholas’ Singers will be performing.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is on Sunday 17th November 2013. Just one week after we remember those killed in war, bereaved families, politicians, and representatives from the emergency services will gather to honour all lives lost and broken on our roads in a number of events taking place across the country. See below for full list of events.
50% of all road traffic deaths are among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and this year the World Day of Remembrance is calling for roads that are safe for all.
‘On World Day of Remembrance we stand together to remember the millions of people who have been killed on the world’s roads. Safe travel, especially for those on foot or on bike, should be seen as a right not a privilege, just as we expect access to clean water and air. Until this happens our loved ones will continue to be killed in foreseeable and avoidable crashes. Let’s have roads that are safe for all.’
Cynthia Barlow, bereaved mother and RoadPeace Chair
“The World Day of remembrance is a day on which the City of Liverpool we can reflect on those who have died or been injured on our roads and the suffering this has caused their loved ones. But it is also a time when we should commit ourselves to doing all we can to ensure that there are no more people who lose their lives needlessly on our roads.”
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool , Councillor Gary Millar
‘The majority of all road deaths and serious injury collisions are avoidable. Merseyside Police is committed to working with our partners to reduce the number of people who are killed and serious injured on the roads of Merseyside. We will achieve this through the investigation of collisions; enforcement, engineering and education. Families of victims will be supported during this time of trauma following the death of their loved one by our network of Family Liaison Officers.’
Inspector Mike McFall, Merseyside Police
