VIDEO: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was marked today, Sunday November 21, with a short dignified ceremony at Mullingar Fire Station.
Members of the Fire Service were joined by members of the Ambulance Service, An Garda Síochána and the Civil Defence to remember the victims of road traffic incidents, as well as their families and friends.
On World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims – the third Sunday in November each year – 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.
Alan O’Neill, chief fire officer, said: “Road traffic collisions can and do have catastrophic consequences, for the vehicle occupants and pedestrians, and 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.
“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.”
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.”