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Argentina (Buenos Aires)

World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims in Argentina:
From Global Remembrance to Global Action

As has been done since 2005, Luchemos por la Vida joins international activities on this day of remembrance for road traffic victims and demands a greater commitment from the responsible authorities to improve road safety in Argentina. What follows are some of the activities promoted by this Association.

Activities

A press release was sent to all printed media, radio and television of Argentina (see attachment) requesting them to share information about this World Day and traffic safety problems.
A request was sent to the highest authorities of the main religions to pray for the victims of traffic accidents at all religious services next Sunday, November 21th. The Episcopate of Buenos Aires supports this initiative, which has been passed on to all the parishes, as does the Alliance of Evangelical Churches of Argentina.
The Association will support the meeting of road crash victims at Lavalle Square, in front of the Palace of Justice of Buenos Aires, with a press conference, religious reflections, a minute of silence and release of balloons.

Sunday, November 21

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR TRAFFIC VICTIMS

MANY MORE THAN JUST THOSE WHO DIED OR WERE INJURED

Each traffic accident casualty is like an explosion that leaves many hurt. They are the parents, the siblings, the loves of those who suddenly are gone, leaving them hurting and empty, thinking how to go on living with that absence that changed their routines, their relationships, their lives. Something similar happens when the victim does not die, but survives with severe handicaps and not being able to keep on living as they lived before the accident.

On this day –established on October 26, 2005 by the United Nations- we would like to remember the over 79,000 people who died in traffic accidents in Argentina in the last 10 years, as well as the over 140,000 permanently handicapped and the more than 10 million who died in the world. But we also want to remember their loved ones; at least, 474,000 people who suffered the pain of losing someone dear. In our country, no war or natural disaster has caused a tragedy of these proportions.

But the best tribute that we as society can pay to these victims is to do all that is necessary so that fatalities as these, that can be avoided, NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.

A year ago, Luchemos por la Vida signed, together with 70 other not-for-profit organizations from all continents, a declaration of proposals for traffic safety that was submitted at the meeting of traffic ministers and leaders of the world in Moscow. Giving priority to life on streets and roads by means of a sustainable mobility planning is a cry that is heard around the world. In Argentina, apart from the responsibility of each individual, and the effort that Luchemos por la Vida (LxV) has been making for 20 years, the Government has an inescapable responsibility. That is why we reiterate our request:

Traffic safety must continue to be affirmed as a matter of state policy; by means of coordinate efforts of the authorities at national, province and city levels who are responsible for this matter. The National Agency for Traffic Safety is so oriented. However, beyond other measures pending implementation, it is urgently needed that the following are implemented around the country, in a consistent and responsible way, to save lives and without aiming at a financial gain:

Effective controls on streets and routes, to ensure practical compliance with the law (i.e., an effective control of speeding, drunk driving, seatbelt use, helmet use, etc.) and effective punishment of offenders.
Ensuring an adequate driver training and serious and responsible management of the issuance of drivers’ licenses.
Implementing systematic and ongoing traffic safety education that includes the subject in the curricula at all levels (pre-school, elementary school, middle school) all around the country.
Urban planning that helps make traffic flow orderly and protects all public road users.
Officials of all levels (authorities, officials, public employees) must set a good example by obeying traffic laws (seatbelt, speed, parking, etc.).