NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD CRASH VICTIMS

SGI is marking the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims on Wednesday, November 19.

In 2005, the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for governments to mark the third Sunday in November of each year as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This year marks the first year Canada will observe the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. The event will be held every year on the third Wednesday in November.

The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the victims of traffic collisions and to acknowledge our responsibility to prevent serious injuries on our roadways.

"On average, eight Canadians are killed in road collisions every day and many more are seriously injured," Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Over the past 50 years, more Canadians have died on our roadways than were killed in both world wars. Last year in Saskatchewan alone, 143 people died and 453 were seriously injured. The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims allows us the opportunity to remember those we have lost."

"Almost all roadway-based injuries and deaths are avoidable," Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators President of the Board of Directors Sherry Wolf said. "By choosing to drive at a speed appropriate for road conditions, wearing seatbelts, using properly fitted child restraints and avoiding driving when fatigued or impaired, we can all significantly reduce the number of deaths and injuries from traffic collisions."

The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims is being recognized by all provinces across the country as part of The Road Safety Vision 2010 - to make Canada's roads the safest in the world by 2010. It is also observed in many countries around the world as part of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Clemett
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-775-6675
Email: cclemett@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2348