FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Melissa Balmer, Vision Zero Network
(562) 221-9672, melissa@leahs12.sg-host.com
November 20th is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
November 10, 2016 – People across the globe will rally leading up to International World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, November 20, 2016. The goal is to recognize that traffic violence is one of the leading causes of death – with more than 1.25 million lives lost last year globally – and to take action to ensure safe mobility for all.
In the United States, traffic crashes are one of the top causes of preventable death — and they are on the rise. Speed is involved in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Across the country communities are planning activities to honor the memory of those who needlessly lost their lives – 35,092 people in 2015, more than a 7% increase over the prior year – with roughly 4.4 million seriously injured. This is the most dramatic increase of traffic violence in 50 years, with 2016 on trend to be even higher. Every day, nearly 100 people die in traffic crashes in the United States. Recognizing these tragedies as a public health crisis affecting millions, people are stepping up to demand action.
To highlight the significant role that speed plays in traffic deaths and injuries in the U.S., a new interactive National Speed Fatality Map will be released on November 17th, in advance of the World Day of Remembrance, by the Vision Zero Network and the National Coalition for Safer Roads and will be available for viewing on each organization’s websites. The map will highlight the distressing number of lives lost to speeding, city by city across the U.S.
In dozens of cities nationwide, victims of traffic violence are being joined by Mayors, Chiefs of Police, and other community members to urge bold action to reach Vision Zero – zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Concerned community members are demanding that policymakers prioritize safety over speed by designing “complete streets” to ensure everyone can move safely; by setting speed limits at safe, appropriate levels; and by using proven technologies, such as safety cameras, to encourage appropriate speeds.
National & Local Events Recognizing Lives Lost to Traffic Violence
At the national level, events are being promoted by two nonprofit organizations: the Vision Zero Network, which is advancing the goal of Vision Zero across the nation, and the National Coalition for Safer Roads, which is advancing the cause of road and traffic safety.
At the local level, community advocates and policymakers are leading the way, highlighting the individual stories of victims with rallies, marches, and memorials being planned. Events across the nation will be tied together using the #WDR2016, #CrashNotAccident, and #SpeedKills hashtags, as well as yellow flowers and other shared symbols to recognize the precious and needless loss of life. Community leaders will be urging specific strategies to reduce traffic violence.
Cities Rapidly Committing to Vision Zero
More than 20 cities across the U.S. have formally committed to Vision Zero with their top local, elected officials setting a clear goal of zero traffic fatalities or severe injuries among all road users. These cities are bringing together diverse — and critical — stakeholders from the areas of transportation, public health, policy, enforcement, private sector and community advocacy to acknowledge that traffic deaths are preventable and to enact policies and practices that prioritize safety over speed. For a full list of Vision Zero cities, see the map here.
Connect with Us
To speak with Leah Shahum, Director of the Vision Zero Network please contact leah@leahs12.sg-host.com.
To speak with Melissa Wandall, President of National Coalition for Safer Roads contact Melissa@MelissaWandall.com Tel. 941-545-3359.
About Vision Zero Network
The Vision Zero Network is a collaborative campaign advancing Vision Zero across the country: the goal of zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users. The Network is bringing together leaders in health, traffic engineering, police enforcement, policy, advocacy, and the private sector to develop and share winning strategies, policies and practices to make Vision Zero a reality. More than 20 U.S. cities have committed to Vision Zero goals in just the past 2.5 years. Learn more at http://www.leahs12.sg-host.com.
About National Coalition for Safer Roads
The National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) helps save lives and protect communities 
by demonstrating how red-light, speed and school bus arm safety cameras can improve driver behavior. NCSR brings together policymakers, community leaders and concerned citizens in support of these life-saving technologies, advocating for their use in communities across the country. Learn more at ncsrsafety.org.
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