Day of Remembrance

This coming Sunday, November 21, I'll remember my late husband, Mike Dean, who was killed on this day in 1991 at the young age of 32. I think of him everyday as I do my work for MADD, but the anniversary is a bittersweet day of remembrance.

The world will also mark November 21 this year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDOR). This is the fifth year of setting aside the 3rd Sunday in November to honor all those who are killed in road traffic crashes. Some 1.3 million people lose their lives each year in traffic crashes worldwide.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement containing these words:

"Many tragedies can be avoided through a set of proven, simple measures that benefit not only individuals and families but society at large.

Recognition is growing about the critical development and public health challenge posed by road traffic deaths and injuries. This greater awareness has prompted governments and their partners to step up their response. Earlier this year, the UN General Assembly declared the first-ever “Decade of Action for Road Safety,” providing an opportunity for global action.

I call on Member States, international agencies, civil society organizations, businesses and community leaders to ensure that the Decade leads to real improvements. As a step in this direction, governments should release their national plans for the Decade when it is launched globally on 11 May 2011."

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of roadway deaths and it is 100% preventable. Please do your part by never driving drunk, buckling up and keeping your eyes only on the road.

If you wish to mark the WDOR, you can go to their Web site (link above) for more ideas. Safe travels!