Statement from the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit regarding World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Every year, approximately 1.3 million people lose their lives in road traffic crashes. This does not even account for the friends and families of the victims, or the countless individuals who survive crashes but must endure lifelong disabilities. Sunday, November 21, 2010, marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, an acknowledgement of the millions affected by this global epidemic and the need for prompt action globally. The Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit offers its deepest sympathies on this day to the friends and families of road traffic victims, and also assures communities worldwide that their losses have not gone unnoticed.

Local and international organizations continue to work tirelessly to combat the problem of road traffic injuries. The Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit is currently working with a consortium of partners on the Road Safety in 10 Countries project, a five-year initiative that draws on support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the World Health Organization to implement road safety solutions where they are needed most. While there is still much work ahead, the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit is committed to reducing the number of needless injuries and deaths on the world’s roads, and is proud to join hands with global partners in this effort.

For more information about the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, please visit its website. For more information about the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit’s work in road safety, please visit this webpage.