Remembering those we’ve lost, calling for change

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More than 200 people gathered in the rain to mourn Susan Hicks’ death and dedicate a ghost bike on Saturday, October 24, 2015

 

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2015

#WDR2015

Today, people all across the world will remember the victims of crashes. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on the third Sunday in November every year to acknowledge victims of road traffic crashes and their families.

It was started by the British road crash victim charity, RoadPeace, in the early 1990’s and was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.

Here in Pittsburgh, we can take the time to remember some of those we’ve recently lost on our public roadways and commit to changing our roads to make them safer. This year for #WDR2015 we’re highlighting Oakland and encouraging everyone to take action.

On Friday, October 23rd bicyclist Susan Hicks was struck and killed by a motorist while waiting at a light on Forbes Avenue in Oakland. Susan was 34 years old, a Morningside resident and had just purchased a home in Bloomfield. Susan was the assistant director of academic affairs at Pitt’s Center for Russian and East European Studies.

On Monday, October 26th, 73 year old Hank Walker was crossing the street in his wheelchair when he was hit by an SUV and thrown under a bus. When Hank’s wife Carol Christine Williamson, 68, rushed to save her husband they were both run over by the bus as it pulled away from the curb. This tragic crash occurred at the intersection of Centre Ave, Aliquippa, and University at the border of the Hill District and North Oakland.

It’s up to us to stand together and say that we know that Oakland can be a safer place for people who bike and walk.

If you believe that a safer Oakland is possible, sign up for ACTION for a Safer Fifth/Forbes today. Then take action towards making Oakland a safe place for everyone.

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MORE: 10 Things You Can Do To Honor the Lives of Susan, Hank, and Christine

Sunday, November 15 is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

crash-not-accidentWe’re encouraging everyone to take a moment on Sunday and think about road traffic victims in your life. They don’t have to be limited to people on bikes, or on foot, but all victims. Chances are you know one of the 2.3 million Americans who are killed and injured on our streets, and chances are, a culture of aggressive driving, poor road design, driving under the influence, or a combination of these was a factor.

Calling them accidents doesn’t recognize that these incidents are preventable, and doesn’t treat our traffic violence as the public health problem that it is.

As you post to social media, to make sure your comments are amplified nationwide, please use the hashtags #WDR2015 and #VisionZero and #CrashNotAccident

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