Take action for change this World Day of Remembrance

Sunday, 21 November marks the 26th annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Fingal County Council will light its buildings in memoriam along with Councils across Ireland, as we remember those who have tragically lost their lives in road traffic accidents. The organisation is also asking people to shine a light in their homes and businesses on the evening of Sunday 21st.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly says, ‘I would implore every driver to think of their own loved ones as they take the wheel, especially coming into the festive season. Each year we remember road traffic victims, but we do not want to remember the loss of any more lives. We want to celebrate how safe our roads have become and see an end to road deaths.’

This year marks the start of the new Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, during which the World Day will play a very important part – through highlighting the very reasons for all the necessary actions during this coming Decade.

As every year, the objectives of WDoR 2021 are to provide a platform for road traffic victims and their families to:

• remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads;
• acknowledge the crucial work of the emergency services;
• draw attention to the generally trivial legal response to culpable road deaths and injuries
• advocate for better support for road traffic victims and victim families;
• promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries
  WDoR 2021 puts the spotlight on the reduction of traffic speeds – Low speeds, which have the potential to prevent many deaths and serious injuries, in particular those of pedestrians and all other vulnerable road users – children, elderly and the disabled.

Superintendent Ronan Barry of An Garda Síochána says it’s vital to drive home the message of road safety. ‘There have been 119 road fatalities so far this year. Every one of those people was loved and is missed. We will be vigilantly policing the roads in the final weeks of 2021 and we are reminding the public today to never ever take illegal drugs or drink and drive. We will continue to conduct drink and drug driving checkpoints and police our roads in line with the needs of the community. There will be a notable increase in checkpoints in the run up to Christmas in an attempt to deter people from breaking the road traffic legislation.

The other very important message that I would like to deliver is for every driver and passenger to wear a seatbelt. As a driver you are responsible for the safety of those you allow in your vehicle and a seatbelt is often the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. If you are using the roads network on any other modes of transport, please wear suitable clothing and be safe and be seen – every life matters, do what you can to protect yours.’
 
David Storey, Director of Services for Active Travel, Environment and Climate Action heads the Fingal County Council team tasked with improving road safety and providing infrastructure for safe cycling and walking. ‘Each year we come together to remember those who have died due to road traffic accidents and it is imperative that we tackle the risks the road presents. Fingal County Council has invested heavily in the promotion of Active Travel and the provision of safe walking and cycling facilities such as protected cycle lanes so that we can all travel safely on the road. In the coming weeks as you travel to work, school or perhaps a festive celebration, please consider leaving the car at home and choosing Active Travel or public transport. Fewer cars on the road reduces the risk of accident and benefits our climate.’
 

Fingal’s Road Safety Officer, Andrew Nolan also encourages those who can to make an alternative choice. ‘We see many people have taken up cycling or found a new interest in walking and running, since the start of the pandemic and this is a really positive change that can reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, particularly for local trips. The use of alternative modes means that there are more vulnerable people on the road network, and so, it is imperative that drivers are respectful of other road users, by being patient, courteous and are paying full attention whilst driving. This will reduce the burden on our emergency services who work tirelessly to save lives when tragedy strikes.’

Fingal County Council believes it is important not only to remember victims and their loved ones as we mark this special day, but that we must also act to provide safer streets for all road users by being responsible when behind the wheel, to reduce speed generally and drive at a speed suitable to the prevailing road and the weather conditions.