Globally, road traffic accidents remain one of the most serious public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.2 million people die in road crashes every year, while another 20 to 50 million are injured. This means two people die every minute, amounting to 3,200 deaths every 24 hours.
In Poland, figures from the Polish Road Safety Observatory of ITS show that road accidents continue to claim an average of five lives each day. They remain the leading cause of death among children and young people.
Despite a slight global decline in road fatalities, experts caution that road safety requires continuous attention and remains a critical public health issue.
“While remembering the victims of road accidents, we must not forget that behind every number lies a human tragedy,” emphasized ITS Director Prof. Marcin Ślęzak in a statement. He added that this day should serve not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the responsibility each person holds behind the wheel. “Road safety begins with the individual—with empathy, responsibility, and respect for others’ lives,” he said.
The main Polish ceremonies marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will take place on 16 November in the village of Zabawa near Tarnów. Events will be held at “The Passage” – the country’s only monument dedicated to road traffic victims.
The commemoration is organized by the National Road Safety Council, the Association for Assistance to Victims of Traffic Accidents and Disasters “Przejście,” the Motor Transport Institute, and the Center for Road Safety Initiatives. The event is held under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Health.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was established by the United Nations in 2005 and is observed annually on the third weekend of November.
(aj)
SOURCE: PAP