Dublin City Council’s Civic Offices to light up in honour of Road Traffic Accident Victims

Dublin City Council is proud to participate in World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, 20th November 2022. 

The front of the Civic Offices building will be lit up with the message "World Day of Remembrance" in both Irish and English in support of this national campaign in remembrance of those who have died or been injured on our roads. Dublin City Council is inviting members of the public to light up from 7pm – 8pm, in remembrance of those who have died or been injured on our roads. 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) along with An Garda Síochána, Local County Councils, Emergency Services and victim support groups have organised masses, services and commemorative events around the country this Sunday to remember the lives that have been lost and changed forever on our roads. This campaign will allow members of the public reflect on the effects of road traffic crashes, examine what positive changes they can make and explore how they can encourage others to change their behaviour on the road. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy said, “World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year. This day is an opportunity for everyone to remember road-crash victims and to think about the consequences of a collision. We remember those who have died on Irish roads, those who have been injured and the families affected and show our thanks for the work of the emergency services and healthcare professionals who have to deal with the aftermath and consequences of collisions.” 

Homes across Dublin are invited to participate in the Remembrance Day by placing a light in their window to honour those who have lost their lives in road accidents over the past year. Businesses and other organisations across Dublin City are also encouraged to participate in the campaign by lighting up their premises. 

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said, “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims allows us to come together and honour the memories of those who have been tragically killed or seriously injured on our roads. It is also a time to acknowledge their families and loved ones and consider the impact that road deaths and serious injuries have on communities. It is also a time for us to acknowledge the work of the emergency services and those providing care to those affected by road trauma. This coming Sunday, I ask that we all take a moment and remember everyone who has been affected by collisions on our roads. As we honour their memory, please make time to think about how you can make a positive change.”  

Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority said, “Since we officially began recording road deaths in this country in 1959, 24,814 people have died on Irish roads. That’s the equivalent of the population of the town of Ennis. Since we began recording serious injuries in 1977, a total of 86,703 people have been seriously injured. To put this in perspective, the number of serious injuries is equivalent to the population of Galway. As we mark World Day of Remembrance on its 16th year, it is also a time to remind ourselves of the responsibility we all have when using the roads. I am asking everyone, out of respect to victims of road traffic collisions and their families, to reflect on our own behaviour on the roads, and consider what we can do to make them safer. Small changes can make a big difference.” 

William Mangan, Head of Dublin City Council Road Safety Section said, “Road safety for all road users is our primary objective in Dublin City Council’s Road Safety Section. While remembering those who died on the roads, we sympathise with all the victims and families affected. On 20th November 2022, I ask that we all take a moment to remember everyone affected by traffic accidents. We also hope that any new road safety actions and policies will help to eliminate future fatalities and serious injuries.” 

Full details of events taking place around the country are available on the RSA website www.rsa.ie 

ENDS 

Notes to the Editor

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on the third Sunday in November every year to remember the millions of people killed and injured on the world’s roads, and their families and friends. It is also a day to thank the emergency services for their role in saving lives; to reflect on the impact of road deaths on families and communities; and to draw attention to the need for improved legislation, awareness, infrastructure, technology, and post-crash response to save more families from the tragedy of losing a loved one. 

The World Day of Remembrance was founded by Road Peace in 1993, is promoted by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and was adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2005.