[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 190 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         2023 WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, November 19, 2023, marks the World Day 
of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, WDoR, commemorating the 
millions of people killed and injured by the devastating cost of car 
crashes. On this day, communities across the Nation and globe gather to 
call for action against the roadway safety crisis, recognizing that 
these are not isolated incidents but rather widespread problems with 
known solutions. This day also serves as a powerful reminder of the 
critical work of emergency responders in saving lives and as a moment 
to stand in solidarity to recognize how road traffic deaths and 
injuries deeply impact our community. Now is the time to take decisive 
action. By investing in proven, tangible measures and enacting 
legislation, we can prevent further loss of life. Our Nation must 
invest in advanced technology and the redesign of our roadways to spare 
more families the tragedy of losing a loved one.
  Like other issues that are uniquely American, the U.S. failure to 
protect all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists, makes us 
stand out among developed nations. According to the World Health 
Organization, the United States ranks 47th out of 54 in traffic 
fatality rate among high-income nations. In 2021, there were 42,915 
deaths due to roadway crashes in the U.S., the highest figure since 
2005. This highlights the lack of progress that has been made in 
addressing these preventable losses.
  As we solemnly observe this day, we are reminded of the profound 
message behind this year's poignant theme: Safe Streets for All. Since 
its inception in 1995 and its subsequent adoption by the United Nations 
for global observance on November 15, 2005, the WDoR has become a 
catalyst for change across continents. It is a day that compels us to 
reflect on the heartbreaking losses experienced by families worldwide 
due to unsafe road conditions.
  Our call to action is clear and urgent: We must not only remember but 
also advocate for immediate change. This means demanding from our 
leaders a steadfast commitment to invest in and reimagine our 
infrastructure. By fostering the creation of safer vehicles, 
redesigning our roadways, and ensuring walkable and bike-friendly 
communities, especially for those communities that have been 
persistently marginalized, we can transform our streets into corridors 
of safety rather than peril.
  In honoring the lives tragically cut short by traffic accidents, we 
confront the profound loss of family members, partners, and cherished 
friends, alongside the burdens of caring for those left with permanent 
disabilities. Yet it is in our collective commitment to act that we 
find the truest form of remembrance, ensuring such tragedies become 
rare exceptions. Rejecting complacency, we honor the victims by 
embracing our shared duty to prevent further needless interruptions of 
life stories on our roads. As a community, both local and global, we 
are called to forge a path toward safer streets, decisively acting to 
protect every life and using the memories of those we have lost as a 
catalyst for real and enduring change.

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