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As the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims approaches on Sunday, 17 November, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) urges all road users to pause and remember those whose lives have been lost or altered by road collisions. Tragically, 149 lives have been claimed on Irish roads this year, though this figure is 16 fewer than by the same date in 2023. This solemn day serves not only to honour those affected but also as a reminder to all of us about the importance of safe, responsible driving.
The RSA launched this year’s observance with an emotional event at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin, bringing together families, friends, and advocates of road safety. Among the speakers was Meghann Scully, a journalist and author who shared the tragic loss of her brother in a road collision nearly two decades ago. Laura Rice, who lost her father Alan to a road collision in 2021, also spoke, painting a heartfelt picture of her journey through grief. Their stories, deeply personal yet universally impactful, highlight the human faces behind Ireland’s road safety statistics.
Meghann Scully, journalist and presenter, shared:
“This is an opportunity for me to share my brother’s story and that of my family’s experience of loss and grief. We miss him dearly. No matter how dark the days are, and how lonely grieving can feel, know that there is always someone there to support you. Today is an opportunity to have that support and celebrate the life of a loved one lost and for those with serious injuries to know that there is support out there, you are not alone.”
In a moving speech, Laura Rice recounted her father’s tragic passing in a collision caused by a driver on the wrong side of the road, a shock that forever changed her life:
“Grief is a lonely journey, as unique and personal as a fingerprint. It sits within you, a constant companion, left in the place of losing someone you love in such a shocking way. My Dad, Alan Rice, was riding his motorcycle home when he was in a collision with a man carelessly driving. Each day I am reminded of his absence, shock protects you for only so long, and grief forms this new version of yourself that only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand. This event is a chance to remember and honour those we loved and miss dearly; our loved ones are the people behind the growing statistics.”
The event also featured a touching performance by the Dublin Gospel Choir, with attendees invited to leave memorial cards on a tree of memory to commemorate those affected by road collisions.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, emphasised the importance of collective remembrance:
“Today we pay respect to those who have been tragically injured or taken from families as a result of a road collision. Every story of loss is individual, and the journey of grief is very personal to each family. I particularly acknowledge the courage of those family members speaking today, and sharing their stories of loss or life-changing, serious injuries. Coming together is important and today is an opportunity to unite in support of others. RSA are wholly committed to making our roads safer and I ask all road users to use the day to reflect on their road behaviours.”
In Cork, a Special Memorial Mass will be held at North Cathedral Church on 24 November at 11.30 am, open to all who wish to pay their respects and reflect on the importance of road safety.
As we mark this solemn day, the RSA encourages everyone to reflect on their actions on the road. Small changes in how we drive, cycle, and walk can make all the difference in keeping ourselves and others safe. This World Day of Remembrance, let us honour those lost and resolve to create a safer future for all.