World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

As drivers, pedestrians, and bystanders, people tend to witness road accidents, it is something inevitable and unpredictable, but as common as it is for us to witness the unfortunate event, it takes a toll on the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of the people involved in the accident. Road accidents might appear insignificant to people, but it is an issue faced globally, it requires recognition for the people who are victims of road accidents. In India, about 17 people lose their lives every day due to road accidents, the concern for our safety is not limited to our families, the Indian government actively works towards road safety.

Remember. Support. Act ; Image Source: istockphoto

World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims commemorates the lives lost in traffic internationally, every third Sunday of November. This year the day will be observed on 20th November all across the world through various events with help of NGOs and government initiatives.

The Day of Remembrance began to be observed in 1995 in Europe, as various organizations and governments began to realize its importance, the day received great attention and gradually began to be commemorated across the world. European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR), which is a non-governmental organization, had a huge role to play in the history of this day.

With its motto “Working to protect the interests of road crash victims & to reduce road danger” the federation worked towards contributing to road safety, providing emotional support to the families of victims, and raising awareness towards road safety. The federation also provides legal assistance to people involved in accidents while working towards helping the victims. In 2005 the UN General Assembly adopted the day thus providing it with a larger platform and awareness through its resources, the institution has been working towards acknowledging the lives lost in traffic and improving the status quo.

World Remembrance Day for the Road Traffic Victims has successfully brought attention to the role played by the crucial workers in the emergency services, the first responders. As road accidents require quick action and treatment, it becomes essential to honor the people who are working to save lives, “Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury.”

In this case, it is essential for all of us to know about the “Good Samaritan Law”, simply put, the law takes away your hesitation. Accidents could be overwhelming for people, and the fear of being suspected or charged unnecessarily might restrain their conscience from helping; therefore, in 2012, through a Public Interest Litigation to the Supreme Court in India requesting the judicial body to safeguard the interest of Good Samaritan a law was passed.

According to the now-established law, a Good Samaritan is not liable to pay any fee, remain in the hospital with the victim, or perform any legal formalities for the victim. People in India can now voluntarily help a victim of an accident and, while doing so, prevent lives from being lost through a simple phone call like reporting the incident and taking the injured to the hospital or by any means helping the victim receive medical attention.

The world day of remembrance of road traffic accidents reminds us to remember those who lost their lives when accidents could have been prevented if one person did not drink and drive, attend a phone call while driving or made sure their vehicle was safe to drive or if people did not hesitate to help.