“World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” is a global event started by FEVR 20 years ago to remember the lives of those lost or injured in road crashes, to thank emergency and medical staff who attend crashes and to urge governments to take proactive steps to reduce the road crash fatalities and injuries. Congratulations to FEVR for receiving a prestigious “Prince Michael of Kent Award” for internationally highlighting the plight of victims.
SADD organised an event held in Pietermaritzburg on 13th November and church services will be held in Hilton and Plettenburg Bay on 15th November.
In Pietermaritzburg, SADD displayed crosses with the images of people who have died on South African roads. This display intended to remind the public of the lives that were lost, rather than focus on the statistics.
Local dignitaries attended and spoke briefly about the impact of road crashes. Thank you to the South African National Blood Service for supporting World Day of Remembrance and for setting up a donation booth at the event. The upcoming festive season is notorious for its road crashes and the SANBS provides an invaluable service to road crash victims.
Patsy Naidoo donates blood in memory of her son Kavlin.
South Africa has an estimated road fatality rate of 25,1 per 100 000. SA’s road traffic injuries and mortality are double the global standard.
In a report by Rosana Norman, Richard Matzopoulos, Pam Groenewald, Debbie Bradshaw, alcohol misuse was identified as a significant factor is this high road traffic injury mortality rate. The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015 confirms this, reporting that 58% of road deaths involve alcohol. This data is sourced from the NIMSS 2010 data so in fact could be even higher today.
Did you know?World War One and Two are recognised as two of the greatest tragedies and causes of unnecessary loss of life in global history. 18 700 South African soldiers died in both wars. SA actually loses more people on our roads annually than in the 2 Wars combined. Why is there not national anger and outrage about these preventable crimes? This is a national crisis!
Road traffic fatalities in South Africa are estimated at between 17 000 to 20 000 deaths annually, with about 170 000 being injured. We are losing important members of our society each day. People who contribute to the economy and who have families and loved ones. SADD calls on every South African citizen to recognise this crisis and to take action to reduce it. Speak to your local government, write to the newspapers, share this newsletter and join SADD. SADD also asks that Remembrance Days for the crash victims are held annually.
Crosses with the images of road crash victims line Chatterton Road in Pietermaritzburg.