Created in 1995 by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and endorsed by the United Nations in 2005, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured on the world’s roads, together with their families and friends who are also affected. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal daily with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury. This Remembrance Day also reflects on the enormous scale and impact of road deaths and injuries and the urgent need for action.

FIA President Jean Todt, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, said: “On the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, I would like you to take a moment to think about the 1.25 million lives lost on the world’s roads every year and all those who are tragically affected by road crashes. Every fatality on the road is one too many. I strongly encourage representatives from governments, the private sector and citizens from all around the world to make road safety a priority if we want to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The FIA World Rally Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the FIA GT and F3 World Cups also supported the World Day of Remembrance by organising family pictures with their drivers in Australia, Bahrain and Macau. 

Watch the dedicated video message that Jean Todt recorded with Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport to support the WDR here: