The United Nations established the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR) in 2005, designating the third Sunday of November each year as a day to honour those killed or injured on the roads, along with their families, friends, and communities. Given the alarming rate of road crashes in India, this observance is particularly significant for Indian road users. With the right measures, many of these tragic incidents could have been prevented and this day serves as a reminder for collective responsibility in creating safer roads.
To mark this event, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) honoured the victims, along with their families and friends, on November 19th at St. Joseph Technical Institute, Chennai. The aim of the event was not only to remember the lives lost needlessly on our roads but also to encourage safer driving practices and work towards an accident-free future.
The event began with a session educating students on why road safety is a shared responsibility, highlighting common traffic rule violations. Guest speakers included Tr. Srinivasan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic - North Sub- Division 2 and Tr. Chinna Karutha Pandian, Inspector of Police, Traffic, Pulianthope, who emphasised the importance of safe driving practices.
Tr. Chinna Karutha Pandian, Inspector of Police, Traffic, Pulianthope, highlighted the profound value of human life and the emotional toll that road accidents take on victims and their families. Emphasising the importance of responsible road behaviour, the inspector urged all road users to adopt safe driving practices to reduce the alarming incidence of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Tr. Chinna Karutha Pandian, Inspector of Police (Traffic), addressing the students on the importance of road safety.
Tr. Srinivasan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic - North Sub-Division 2, further reinforced this message, stressing the necessity for students to avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road. He underscored the importance of wearing helmets—not only for riders but also for pillion passengers—as a critical measure to prevent life-threatening injuries.
Tr. Srinivasan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic-North Sub-Division 2, addressing students at the WDoR event at St. Joseph Technical Institute, Chennai.
Adding a practical dimension to the event, Mr. Karal Marx, a representative from ALERT, a Chennai-based NGO committed to emergency care awareness, conducted a live demonstration. He showcased simple yet effective techniques for providing immediate assistance to road accident victims. His session empowered attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly in emergencies, potentially saving lives before professional medical help arrives.
The program also featured an animated video on road safety, focusing on the need to wear helmets, adhere to speed limits and avoid drinking and driving. Participants heard moving testimonies from road crash survivors, reinforcing the need for vigilance and responsibility on the road. The event concluded with a pledge to uphold safe road behaviour and strive for safer streets.