World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: November 16

Every year, our country joins in the commemoration of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which this year is scheduled for November 16th. The announcement for this comes from the National Center of Public Health and Analyses, published on their website.

The consequences of serious road accidents worldwide are immense, especially when it comes to the loss of human life. Each such tragedy changes destinies, and the consequences are irreparable not only for the loved ones of the victims, but also for the whole society. Of all causes of mortality worldwide, road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of premature termination of life among children and young people. This alarming trend requires urgent measures.

In just one year, in 2024, 7173 serious accidents were registered on the country's roads. As a result of these incidents, 478 people lost their lives, and another 9054 were injured. This is an occasion to once again realize how responsible we are as road users. It is necessary to reflect on our culture of behavior, on our skills to react in critical situations on the road, as well as to realize that efforts to protect human health and life from road traffic accidents are the responsibility of every member of society, of institutions and of the family.

The commemoration of this day takes place on the third Sunday of November, according to a resolution of the UN General Assembly of October 26, 2005. The campaign for the day in 2025 carries the message: "REMEMBER. SUPPORT. ACT." – "REMEMBER. SUPPORT. ACT."

Every serious accident happens unexpectedly and turns our lives upside down. The pain and suffering that remain after that are constant.

According to information from the Ministry of Interior, from the beginning of November until yesterday, 237 accidents were registered. These incidents have taken the lives of 21 people and caused injuries to another 299. Since the beginning of the year, the total number of road accidents has reached 5869. The deceased are 394, and the injured – 7310.

The Road Safety Report for 2024 shows that despite the strategic efforts undertaken and the reported partial positive trends, road traffic traumatism in the country remains at an unacceptably high level. This was announced by the State Agency "Road Safety" on its website on August 1st this year.

The weak implementation of measures and the insufficient engagement of institutions with prevention are the main reasons for this situation.

Automobile traffic continues to grow – an increase of 14.4% in mileage compared to 2019 has been reported. This increases the pressure on the road system and, accordingly, the risk of accidents. Although the number of fatalities has decreased by 9% compared to 2023 and by 23.9% compared to 2019, there is an increase in serious accidents with casualties and seriously injured. This alarming trend puts additional emphasis on the need for systemic prevention, the statement says.