Road injury is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, with 1.25 million people dying each year from traffic crashes. Obscured by this staggering figure, of course, are the individuals, families and communities whose lives are changed forever through these unexpected, violent and preventable events.
Next week, Cascade will join hands with local groups like Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, as well as safe streets advocates around the world, to honor victims of traffic violence.
Each participating city will choose its own way to get involved. Here in Seattle, we’ll start with a gathering at City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Then, on Sunday, Nov. 20 -- the official World Day of Remembrance -- we will erect memorial silhouettes at every place where someone has been killed in this city over the last 10 years. There are 234 silhouettes in all.
You can help honor those who have died by volunteering to place silhouettes or attending an event.
Honoring those who have died, as well as the families and neighborhoods that have experienced the trauma of traffic violence, is one piece of the broader work being done to make streets safer for all.
Locally we have worked to adopt policies like Vision Zero and Complete Streets, which help guide us in building public spaces with the safety of all users in mind. This week, Seattle began implementing its recently-passed ordinance to lower speed limits.
Though not a joyful event, World Day of Remembrance is a time to come together in hopes of a safer city and world. We’d love for you to join us.
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