America North

Official World Day recognition in North America

No official recognition of the World Day has yet taken place in any country in North America.
The US Congress has so far issued several statements in respect of the World Day.

Congressman Chris van Hollen read a statement on 16.11.2017  – 115th Congress, 1st Session, Issue: Vol. 163, No. 188

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims commemorates the millions of people killed and injured on the world’s roads. It is also a day to thank emergency services for their role in saving lives; to reflect on the impact of road deaths on families and communities; and to draw attention to the need for improved legislation, awareness, infrastructure, technology, and post-crash responses to save more families from the tragedy of losing a loved one. The theme of this year’s World Day of Remembrance is “2020 Target: Reduce Road Fatalities and Serious Injuries by 50%.” It refers to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 which calls on governments and their stakeholders, including NGOs and private citizens, to address the personal, medical, and financial burden that road deaths and injuries cause; 1.25 million people die from road crashes every year, and tens of millions are seriously injured. Road traffic crashes are the No. 1 killer of young people aged 15 to 29 and the eighth leading cause of death among all people worldwide. Rochelle Sobel, president of the Association for Safe International Road Travel, said, “The World Day of Remembrance is an important opportunity to stand together with the global community to commemorate road victims and call for an end to the crisis on our roads. No one should have to go through the needless, preventable loss of a child, a brother, a mother, a friend, killed in a road traffic crash. This year’s theme to reduce the number of deaths by 50% by 2020, reminds us of the need to drive responsibly, educate our children, and advocate with our governments to implement and enforce policies that will protect road users and prevent more families from suffering the pain of losing a loved one on the road.”

Congressmen Alcee L. Hastings and Dan Burton issue statements on 18.11.2011

I offer my thoughts and prayers to all those who have lost loved ones to road crashes. All over the world, in every country and locality, traffic accidents remain an ongoing peril and a source of preventable tragedy. As we embark on the Decade of Action for Road Safety, we should pause to remember who it is that we are fighting for. ….This Day of Remembrance also calls attention to the necessary policies needed to improve transportation management, infrastructure, vehicle safety, education, and post-crash care and rehabilitation. Here in the United States it is of the utmost importance that we continue to support public policies designed to reduce key risk factors like speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and the failure of many Americans to use seat belts, child restraints, and other safety devices….”
Link for other languages:
http://www.alceehastings.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1023:november-18-2011-hastings-recognizes-world-day-of-remembrance-for-road-traffic-victims&catid=72:2011-press-releases&Itemid=
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take a moment to pay my respects to road traffic victims in honor of World Remembrance Day, this Sunday, November 20th…. I am proud to say, this past July, Indiana became the 32nd state to ban texting while behind the wheel. On May 11, Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the legislation which became effective July 1, 2011…”

 

Congressman Robert Wexler speaks in House of Representatives on 16.11.2009

“…The third Sunday in November was designated as World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims by the United Nations earlier this decade, and in support of this effort, both the House of Representatives and Senate unanimously passed concurrent resolutions during the 110thCongress…. Now is the time to foster the courageous initiatives building around the world to keep our citizens and our loved ones safe, and Madam Speaker, as we commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims this year and look forward to the First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Moscow later this week, I urge my colleagues to work with the Obama Administration towards enacting meaningful policy reform, both at home and abroad. “

 

US Congress passes resolution in respect of World Day of Remembrance in 2007

On July 16, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 87 (H. Con. Res. 87), supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims and their families. The resolution designates the third Sunday of November as a World Remembrance Day for Road Crash Victims and their Families.

 

Parliaments and Governments