The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.
It is observed on the third Sunday of November, which fell on November 17 this year.
The primary purpose of the UN observance is to honour individuals who have suffered from road traffic injuries and to support their families.
Over the years, this day has gained global recognition, supported by governments, international agencies, and NGOs committed to road safety.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UN Road Safety Collaboration play crucial roles in advocating for widespread participation, urging governments and stakeholders to observe this important day.
In Malawi, one of the countries with the highest road carnage, the commemoration is a vital moment to reflect on the lives lost and the urgent need for road safety improvements.
Road traffic accidents in the country claim thousands of lives each year and leave many more injured or disabled.
According to the Malawi Police Service, over 1 400 fatalities were recorded in 2023 due to road accidents, with an even higher number of serious injuries.
The main causes include speeding, reckless driving and poor condition of roads.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, making up a significant portion of the victims.
Children and young adults are often among those most affected, highlighting the devastating impact on families and communities.
Every road accident statistic in Malawi represents a personal tragedy, a life cut short and dreams unfulfilled.
Families are left to cope with grief, emotional trauma and financial hardship.
For many, the loss of a breadwinner or the cost of long-term medical care for injured survivors can plunge households into poverty.
The ripple effects extend beyond immediate families.
Communities lose productive members, healthcare systems are strained and the economy bears the cost of road traffic injuries, which the WHO estimates can consume up to three percent of a country’s gross domestic product annually.
Every accident gives rise to a day of mourning, a call to action.
The World Day of Remembrance is not just a day of reflection, but a rallying cry for action.
This calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including speed limits, seatbelt use and helmet requirements for motorcyclists. Making the roads better goes beyond fining motorists for drink and driving and other offences, but ensuring the shared roads and all vehicles are safe for everyone.
The high carnage is a call to improving road infrastructure such as sealing potholes, expanding pedestrian pathways, installing speed bumps and improving road signage.
Relevant authorities and stakeholders need to promote responsible road use through awareness campaigns targeting drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Efforts like the National Road Safety Strategy and partnerships with organisations such as the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services and nongovernmental organisations aim to reduce accidents and save lives.
However, communities are central to fostering a culture of road safety in Malawi.
Local initiatives such as road safety clubs in schools and community-driven awareness campaigns make a difference.
They educate citizens on responsible road use and encourage collective responsibility in preventing accidents.
As we remember victims of road traffic accidents, let us honour the memory of those who have lost their lives on the country’s perilous roads.
This is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to creating safer roads for everyone.
By working together, government agencies, communities and individuals can reduce road traffic fatalities and ensure that every journey is safe.
Let us strive for a future where no family in Malawi has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to road traffic accidents.
