EVENTS are taking place across Ireland today as the country marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Since records began in 1959, 24,663 people have died on Ireland's roads, while 84,997 have been seriously injured since 1977.
So far this year, 119 people have been killed on the country's roads, down 13 compared to the same date last year.
However, the bereaved are not counted or included in road traffic injury data, so this year's events will see a renewed focus on the victims of serious injuries and their families.
'Not forgotten'
"This year marks the 15th year that we have marked World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Ireland," said Liz O'Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
"It is our way of ensuring that those who have died or been seriously injured are not forgotten.
"Because behind the numbers are real people; somebody's father, brother, son, mother, sister or daughter.
"They are real lives lost or shattered by serious injuries, leaving families and communities devastated as they cope with the lasting impact of death and serious injury on the road."
On October 26, 2005, the United Nations adopted a resolution that calls for governments to use the third Sunday in November each year to commemorate road traffic victims.
The day provides an opportunity to draw the public's attention to the consequences and costs of crashes and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.
It also provides an opportunity to remind governments and society of their responsibility to make roads safer.
Emergency services
"World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a time to remember those who have been killed or seriously injured on our roads," said Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton.
"Equally, it is a time to honour the families and loved ones of the victims of road traffic crashes.
"It is also a time to thank our emergency services and healthcare workers who deal first-hand with the consequences of road traffic collisions."
Masses and various events are being held around the country, while a televised Mass will be broadcast on RTE 1 from 11am.
A remembrance ceremony will be streamed on the RSA's Facebook page from 2pm, while the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) will hold a virtual event at 3pm that can be viewed on their Facebook site.
For details of events happening around the country, visit the RSA's website by clicking here.
