[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN COMMEMORATION OF WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional 
Caucus on Global Road Safety, I rise today in commemoration of the 
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
  In 2005, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a Resolution that calls 
for a worldwide recognition of the third Sunday in November each year 
as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Each year on 
this day we remember the victims of road crashes and the difficulties 
faced by their loved ones who must cope with the awful emotional and 
practical consequences of these tragedies.
  Road crashes are a critical public health issue. According to the 
2009 Global Status Report on Road Safety, road crashes contribute to 
approximately 1.3 million deaths around the world each year. By 2030, 
the number of fatalities is projected to increase exponentially, making 
road crashes the fifth leading cause of death in the world.
  This year's theme for World Remembrance Day--``Now is the time to 
learn from the past''--focuses on the need for organizations and 
nations around the world to join in the discussion of prevention 
programs and methods. We must examine failed strategies and devise 
stronger and more effective road safety policies.
  I am honored that ASIRT--the Association for Safe International Road 
Travel--is headquartered in my congressional district. ASIRT is a non-
profit organization that emphasizes the importance of global road 
safety through education, advocacy, and road safety projects. Over the 
years, ASIRT has done extraordinary work to keep travelers safe on the 
world's roads. Its efforts have saved countless lives as it draws 
attention to this critical public health issue.
  As we observe the 2012 World Day of Remembrance, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in a moment of reflection, remembering the lives affected by 
road crashes and the continued need to do all we can to make the world 
a safer place.

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