Each and every day by evening news, we are reminded about road traffic disasters with the newest addition to the never-ending list of unfortunate victims. However, on every third Sunday of November, the world takes a moment to pause, to remember the lives lost and affected by road traffic crashes, and to spread awareness about this tragedy that feels inescapable no matter which corner of the earth you are from.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people lose their lives every year due to road traffic crashes. It is the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years. About half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. In addition, an estimated 20–50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries, often resulting in long-term disabilities that change lives forever.

The Human Cost

These statistics may look like mere numbers on a screen, but in reality, each digit represents a person who didn’t make it to their destination,
a father who didn’t come home after work,
a daughter who never reached her family,
a friend who bought a ticket to a city never made,
simply a person who didn’t know it was their last day.

The impact of a traffic accident extends far beyond the immediate victims. Families lose loved ones, and communities lose teachers, healthcare workers, business owners, and neighbors who made life richer for everyone around them.

These numbers may fluctuate each year, but one grim truth remains unchanged: most road traffic accidents are not accidents, they are preventable mistakes. A small lapse in attention, a text message checked too soon or a reckless decision to speed or drive under the influence can destroy lives in seconds.

The Local Picture: Sri Lanka’s Reality

According to the Weekly Epidemiological Report (10th–16th February 2024) by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, around 6.5% of transport injuries were associated with alcohol use, and 1.7% were linked to substance use. Most of the alcohol-related injuries occurred later in the day when tiredness, distraction, and poor judgment combine to create deadly outcomes.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for consistent road safety education, stricter enforcement of laws, and responsible decision-making from every road user whether you are behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or walking on the roadside.

Why We Remember

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is not just about mourning; it’s about honoring lives lost and empowering the living to make change. This year’s theme, “Remember. Support. Act.”, calls us to do three things,

• Remember those who have died or been injured on the world’s roads.
• Support those who have been affected -families, survivors, and emergency responders.
• Act to prevent future tragedies by promoting safer roads, stronger policies, and more mindful driving behaviors.

Road safety begins with personal responsibility. The next time you are tempted to rush through a red light, overtake recklessly, or drive after drinking, think twice. Is saving five minutes worth risking your entire life? or someone else’s?

Take a moment to check your speed, wear your seatbelt, put your phone away, and stay alert. These small choices are acts of respect for yourself, for your loved ones, and for every life that shares the road with you.

Today, we remember. Tomorrow, we act.
Every day, we choose to drive responsibly, because no one deserves to become a statistic on the evening news.

Written by: Sedara Kalu Arachchi

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