From Castlebar - County Mayo -

General
Crash Victims Remembered
By Noel Gibbons
9, Nov 2009 - 23:56

Services will be held across Ireland to mark World Day of Remembrance for road crash victims. Thousands are expected to turn up for a special ceremony at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo on Sunday 15th November at midday for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The ceremony, which will supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Mayo County Council, PARC Road Safety Group, Gardai and the Emergency services is organised by Mayo Road Safety officer, Noel Gibbons. Sean Costello will be the guest singer at the ceremony.

Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority, appealed to road-users to use the day as a reminder of their vulnerability on the road. "This Sunday, 'World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims' provides us all with an opportunity to remember those whose lives have been tragically lost on our roads, and whose families have been devastated.

"Every day, another person dies or is seriously injured on our roads. This can't go on. On Sunday, remember those who have died, think of the never-ending grief of their loved ones and then think about how you can change your own behaviour to ensure you and your family are safe on the road."

Susan Gray founder and National Chairperson of PARC echoed Mr Byrne's comments saying: "It is a very fitting tribute to all our lost loved ones, to have a day each year set aside in memory of their life on this earth. It is also a day to remember all those who have been seriously injured on our roads, many needing permanent care for the rest of their lives. This is also a day to remember all the grieving families left behind with the heartbreaking pain of never seeing our loved ones again."

A Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was first initiated by RoadPeace, the UK national charity for road victims (www.roadpeace.org). However, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on 26th October 2005, the third Sunday in November of every year is now recognised as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The UN Assembly was of the view that such a special day was the appropriate acknowledgement for victims of road traffic crashes and their families.

A total of 203 people have been killed on Irish roads to date this year, 43 fewer than last year. It is estimated that for every life lost on our roads over 100 people are left grieving this loss.



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