RSA launch World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a special reception at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin today. This event brings together families and individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries in road traffic collisions. Key speakers include presenter and author Meghann Scully, who tragically lost her brother in a collision almost 20 years ago, and Laura Rice, whose father Alan was killed in a collision three years ago.

The service was recorded and will be broadcast on RSA’s social channels on Sunday 17 November.

Since its inception in 1993, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims has been observed globally, playing a crucial role in honouring the millions who have been killed or seriously injured on the roads. In Ireland, this day serves as a poignant reminder to improve road safety behaviours, acknowledges the critical contributions of emergency services, medical professionals, and An Garda Síochána, and provides a platform for people to share their stories and preserve the memory of their loved ones.

Tragically, 149 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year, though this is 16 fewer road deaths by the same date in 2023.

Attendees at the event are invited to remember those who have been injured or killed in a road traffic collision by adding a card to a tree of memory at the venue. The event also featured a special performance by Dublin Gospel Choir.

Meghann Scully, journalist, presenter and author said: “This is an opportunity for me to share my brother’s story and that of my family’s experience of loss and grief. We miss him dearly. No matter how dark the days are, and how lonely grieving can feel, know that there is always someone there to support you. Today is an opportunity to have that support and celebrate the life of a loved one lost and for those with serious injuries to know that there is support out there, you are not alone.”

Laura Rice spoke of her beloved father Alan who was killed in a collision with a car that driving on the wrong side of the road in South Dublin in April 2021. ''Grief is a lonely journey, as unique and personal as a fingerprint. It sits within you, a constant companion, left in the place of losing someone you love in such a shocking way. My Dad, Alan Rice, was riding his motorcycle home when he was in a collision with a man carelessly driving. Each day I am reminded of his absence, shock protects you for only so long, and grief forms this new version of yourself that only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand. This event is a chance to remember and honour those we loved and miss dearly; our loved ones are the people behind the growing statistics.''

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “Today we pay respect to those who have been tragically injured or taken from families as a result of a road collision. Every story of loss is individual, and the journey of grief is very personal to each family. I particularly acknowledge the courage of those family members speaking today, and sharing their stories of loss or life changing, serious injuries. Coming together is important and today is an opportunity to unite in support of others. RSA are wholly committed to making our roads safer and I ask all road users to use the day to reflect on their road behaviours.”

Notes:

Activities taking place throughout Ireland to mark World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims 2024:

Dublin

Dublin City Council’s Road Safety and Micromobility Section is hosting an event to promote and highlight the importance of World Remembrance Day and honour the lives lost, and forever changed, due to road accidents in the city of Dublin.

The event will take place on the 13 of November, from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm in the Atrium of Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F. Refreshments will be served.

This year's World Remembrance Day will be launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan, and the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, James Lawless, TD. All are welcome to attend.

Cork

A Special Memorial Mass will take place in North Cathedral Church at 11.30am on the 24 November. All are welcome.

Louth

A remembrance service will take place in The St. Augustinian Church Drogheda at 1.15 pm on Sunday 17 November.

Mayo

A Special Memorial Mass to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on Sunday 17 November, 2024 at 12.00 noon in Knock Basilica.

This Mass remembers the precious lives tragically lost on our roads and the profound impact this has on their families, friends and wider communities as well as those seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. It is also a day on which we reflect on the tremendous work carried out by the emergency services on a daily basis.

This Mass is being organised by the Mayo Road Safety Office in conjunction with Knock Basilica.

Westmeath

A remembrance service takes place in Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar at 1pm on Sunday 17 November 

Those travelling to this event are invited to RSVP [email protected], and for those attending for the first time they are invited to take a photo of their loved one with them. Size 7” x 8” in a white photo frame for inclusion on a table of remembrance.