November 17 is World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims
Memphis, TN (November 2024) – As the number of people killed and injured in preventable roadway crashes reaches staggeringly high levels in Memphis and the United States, people across the nation are gathering to raise awareness and demand action. Innovate Memphis is joining more than 500 communities and community organizations to participate in the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, a global event held every third Sunday of November to honor those who have lost their lives or been impacted by roadway crashes.
“Memphis was recently named as the #1 most deadly metro area for pedestrians by Smart Growth America in its Dangerous by Design 2024 report,” said Jackson McNeil, Commute Options Transportation and Mobility Director. “For too long, we’ve been led to believe these tragedies are isolated ‘accidents’ that could happen anywhere to anyone, but these are largely predictable and preventable incidents that can and must be addressed.”
This year on November 17, communities across the globe will gather together to demand actions towards improving roadway safety and to uplift proven strategies, including redesigning dangerous roads, reducing speed limits, and improving vehicle design. The day also serves as a crucial opportunity for governments and those working in road safety to demonstrate the scale and impact of road-related deaths and injuries and advocate for immediate and concerted action to end this public health crisis.
Event organizers in Memphis include Innovate Memphis, Overton Park Conservancy (OPC), and William’s Walk. Memphians are invited to join the organizers at 4:00 p.m. on November 17, 2024 at the Overton Park East Parkway Pavilion. The free, family-friendly event will include a vigil with LED candles and a moment of remembrance as the names of crash victims are recognized. Guest speakers will include John Zeanah from the City Safety Action Plan who will highlight the city’s commitment and ongoing actions to address this issue. A reception will follow. To RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/567126289067779?ref=newsfeed
“It’s unacceptable that our city is burying children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and loved ones as a result of preventable roadway crashes. It can and it must stop,” said Rebekah McConnell, whose son William was hit and killed at the intersection of Sam Cooper and East Parkway beside the Bike Gate in 2022. McConnell and her husband Michael founded William’s Walk, a local advocacy group working for pedestrian safety improvements in Memphis.
Innovate Memphis develops initiatives, develops partnerships, and innovates solutions with the goal of building a more equitable, innovative, competitive, and sustainable city. Find out more on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
