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 7pm to 8pm Sunday November 21.

World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday in November each year.

As part of the campaign, in memory of all of those who have lost their lives on the roads, council buildings across Ireland will be lit up for that hour in the evening.

Westmeath County Council ask everyone to join in and ‘light up for road safety’ by shining a light or burning a candle in their windows at the same time.

Increasing numbers of people are walking and cycling the roads with their families since the Covid-19 pandemic started, and road safety is now more important than ever.

Road safety officers are imploring the public to be vigilant and conscious of their own safety. 117 lives have been lost on Irish roads to date in 2021.

On World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims, bereaved families and the seriously injured come together to acknowledge the terrible toll of road deaths and injuries and to show thanks for the work of the emergency services, and you too can show your support by participating in this event.

Getting involved

• Set a reminder on your phone to shine a light in your window from 7pm to 8pm on Sunday November 21.

• 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 wellbeing.

• 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.

Alan O’Neill, chief fire officer, said: "Road traffic collisions can and do have catastrophic consequences, not alone for the vehicle occupants and pedestrians, but for all of us in the community.

"Every collision our firefighters attend is difficult. While we may not know the persons involved, we are acutely aware of the impact – which is long-lasting and often permanent.

"The grief and distress experienced by the injured victims, their families, and friends are all the greater because many of the victims are young.

"I would appeal to all pedestrians, cyclists and drivers using our roads to ensure you are seen and that you drive safely because your family will be waiting for you.

"Please make this a peaceful World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

"Fire crews will be joined by other emergency services outside their respective stations and be lit up with blues as an addition to lighting up the buildings on the evening on November 21 at 7pm."

Donna Price, founder and chair of the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) said: "On the third Sunday of November every year, the UN World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Trauma, we come together to remember and honour our loved ones who have been killed and seriously injured on the roads of the world in totally preventable crashes.

"We acknowledge the wonderful work of the emergency services and first responders who deal with the horrific aftermath of road crashes, often at great risk to themselves, and we thank them for their selfless work.

"We support all of those affected, including bereaved families, the seriously injured and first responders.

"We commit to act together to prevent further needless suffering, loss of life and injury, on the roads.

"We all have a role to play, and each of us must play our part, in ensuring safe roads for all. Please always use the roads responsibly and with extra care, obeying the rules of the road which are there for all our safety.

"Too many lives have already been destroyed forever. Let’s remember our loved ones and honour their memory by ensuring we keep our roads safe. Let’s all get home safely to our families."