Communities asked to ‘Light up for Road Safety’
Local Authority Road Safety Officers across Ireland ask us all to shine a light for road safety on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,
From 7.00 pm to 8.00pm Sunday, 21st November.
The enlightening campaign, in memory of all of those who have lost their lives on our roads will see council buildings across Ireland lit up from 7.00 – 8.00 pm as part of this year’s ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’, Sunday 21stth November.
World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday in November each year. Waterford Council will light up the following buildings – City Hall, 35 The Mall, Waterford Treasures- Bishop’s Palace, House of Waterford Crystal, Rice Bridge & Devonshire bridge Dungarvan. Other local authority buildings around the Country will be lit up and we ask families around the Country to join us and ‘light up for road safety’ by shining a light or burning a candle in your windows at the same time.
2021 has been a very different year and, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it sees an increase in people walking and cycling our roads with their families. Road Safety is now more important than ever. Road Safety Officers are imploring the public to please be vigilant of their own safety.
On this important day, bereaved families and the seriously injured come together to acknowledge the terrible toll of road deaths and injuries and to show our thanks for the work of the emergency service. You too can show your support by participating in this event.
How can you get involved?
- Set a reminder on your phone to shine a light in your window from 7.00 PM – 8.00 PM on Sunday, 21st November.
- Spread the word and ask friends and family to do the same.
- Take a moment to remember the lives lost and those who have been injured, and to be appreciative of your own health and well-being.
- Check that your family has high vis jackets and torches for your walks and cycles.
Never take road safety for granted.
Businesses and other organisations are also being encouraged to light up their building for road safety as part of this national campaign.
Niall Curtin, Waterford’s Chief Fire Officer, said ‘Unfortunately, fire crews across our 10 stations are too often called to the scene of road traffic collisions. They clearly see the devastation at that time, and as members of the community, firefighters continue to see the aftermath where life is lost or serious injuries occur. Waterford Fire Service asks everyone to do their utmost to avoid these consequences. Please take care on our roads.
Mayor of Waterford, City & County Cllr Joe Kelly, said “One of the purposes of these services is to spread awareness. The many persons who lose their lives to a traffic accident is a global issue and these services will reflect that and to acknowledge the work done by all the emergency services”.
Jemma Jacob, Waterford’s Road Safety Officer, said “Families of crash victims never forget their loved ones who have died on the road. This day is an opportunity annually, for everyone to remember road crash victims and to think of the consequences around a collision, and what might happen if anyone is involved in a collision. Organisers are hoping the public and business sector will get involved and support this year’s event by lighting up for road safety.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each 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.
The theme for the event is light up for road safety.
