Delaware, OH — Each November, the SAFE Delaware County Coalition acknowledges those who passed away due to motor vehicle crashes in Delaware County through a remembrance ceremony. Traditionally a display of wreaths with the name of each victim is dedicated as a reminder to drive safely during the holiday season.

This year’s ceremony will remember the 13 traffic crash victims that were taken in 2022. It is SAFE’s honor to invite members of the coalition, loved ones of the victims, the community and members of the media to participate in remembering these traffic victims on Thursday, November 17 at 12pm at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Delaware Post located at 1500 Columbus Pike in Delaware and live on the SAFE Delaware Facebook page: facebook.com/safedelaware. 

Roadway deaths in the U.S. have been rising rapidly during the pandemic years reaching 46,000 in 2021, a height not seen in more than a decade, according to the National Safety Council. Delaware County is no exception.

“Car crashes, despite their low profile relative to other health causes, are a leading cause of preventable death, especially for our young people,” said Jackie Bain, SAFE Coalition Coordinator. “Unfortunately, every year in Delaware County an average of 14 people pay an immeasurable price because of something that is so preventable.”

“These losses are so senseless because we know how to prevent them,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Post Commander Lt. Robert Curry. “Drivers can significantly reduce the number of traffic victims by simply slowing down, driving sober, paying attention, and using seat belts. People like those that the SAFE Delaware County Coalition remembers each year deserve to return home safely to their loved ones. Drivers can and must do better.”

For this reason, SAFE joins communities across the country every November, to commemorate a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to demand safe streets and draw attention to the massive preventable trauma inflicted on Americans by roadway deaths and injuries.

“The purpose of the SAFE Remembers event is to acknowledge that the lives lost are not forgotten,” Bain said. “It represents this coalition’s plea to all drivers to remember that their behavior can change everything. Everyone knows someone who has been hurt or injured in a car crash. We have the tools to protect each other. It’s time to begin the work of implementing them.”

As a way of paying our respect and remembering those victims, the SAFE coalition will also be acknowledging “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” on Sunday, November 21 by spreading the word about traffic safety awareness. For more info, visit worlddayofremembrance.org/events.

 

Lead by the Delaware Public Health District, the SAFE Delaware County Coalition serves as a countywide network that unites community partners and leaders seeking to maximize resources and provide injury prevention awareness related to traffic and child safety. Funding is provided by a grant program that provides federal funds administered through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) to eligible entities to be used for projects such as traffic safety education.

Last Updated on November 14, 2022