Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently declared November 15, 2020 as “World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. Introduced by Rep. Mary Jo Daley, the resolution was co-sponsored by Rep. DeLissio, Miller, and Brown, and is the first resolution recognizing World Day of Remembrance, an international day of mourning for victims of traffic violence.
Daley, a Democrat of Montgomery County, has been active in the local chapter of Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia, and she herself lost a niece to traffic violence in the city. Daley’s niece, Erin Wilson, was killed by an out-of-control driver while crossing Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia in 2016. By the time charges were to be filed, the driver had fled the country.
The resolution’s memo states:
Globally, a person dies every 24 seconds while on the road. This accounts for over 1.35 million road traffic deaths each year and such incidents are the leading cause of death for children and young people. Pennsylvania contributes to these tragic deaths: over 1,000 Pennsylvanians died in 2019 from reportable vehicle crashes.
Since 1995, governments, stakeholders, and organizations have sought to pay tribute to road traffic victims and to honor our first responders by designating a “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” on November 15 of each year. It is time that Pennsylvania follow suit.
We are introducing a resolution designating November 15, 2020, as “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” in Pennsylvania. Please join us in co-sponsoring this nonpartisan, noncontroversial resolution to memorialize all those who have died in motor vehicle accidents not only in our state, but internationally. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia recognized World Day of Remembrance this year with a Facebook Live panel discussion, in which members reflected on the work they’ve done and feats they’ve accomplished over the past several years. You can watch that video here:
For more information about Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia, check out their website here, or send an email to families@bicyclecoalition.org.