World Remembrance Day of Victims of Road Crashes

Transport Malta and Malta Road Safety Council Commemorate the World Remembrance Day for Victims of Road Crashes.

Transport Malta and the Malta Road Safety Council are marking the annual World Remembrance Day for Victims of Road Crashes on the 17th of November 2024. This poignant observance aims to honour those who have lost their lives or who have been seriously injured in road traffic crashes. Road crashes not only result in tragic loss of life but also deeply impact families, friends, communities and society. We must not forget that each statistic represents a person with aspirations and dreams. Today, we honour the lives lost and the lives forever changed, while renewing our commitment to safer roads through responsible driving practices.

This observance aims to raise awareness about the need to remind all road users about their responsibilities on the road. We can prevent many of these tragedies by taking decisive action in three crucial areas through essential safety concepts: reducing speed, ensuring zero tolerance for impaired driving, and eliminating distractions whilst driving.

Key Messages for Safer Roads

Decrease Speed, Save Lives

Excessive speed is a leading factor in road traffic collisions and their severity. Slower speeds provide drivers with more reaction time and help protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Let’s commit to reducing speed limits where necessary and obeying them on every journey, putting safety over haste.

Zero Tolerance for Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a critical risk on our roads. Impaired driving compromises reaction time, judgment, and coordination, posing a grave danger to everyone on the road. We urge all drivers to adopt a zero-tolerance stance: if you’ve been drinking or using drugs, do not drive. Let’s work together to make our communities safer by refusing to drive or ride with impaired drivers.

Eliminate Distractions, Focus on the Road

Mobile phone use while driving has become a widespread issue, leading to countless preventable accidents. Texting, calling, or checking notifications can wait. Every moment of distraction increases the risk of a collision. Concentrate - let’s keep our hands on the wheel, our eyes on the road, and our attention fully focused on the task of driving.

A Collective Responsibility for Road Safety

As we remember and honour the victims of road traffic collisions, we also stand united in our resolve to prevent future tragedies. Let this day serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility. Together, by reducing speed, rejecting impaired driving, and eliminating distractions, we can create safer roads for all.

This World Remembrance Day let’s honour the memory of those lost by taking these actions to save lives.

Road safety is a choice. Let’s choose it.