This week, communities across the globe will observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, honoring those killed or seriously injured in crashes and calling for action to prevent future tragedies. This year’s theme, Safe Speeds Save Lives, is especially relevant in NC, where high-speed roadways, wide arterials, and limited pedestrian infrastructure continue to put vulnerable road users at risk.
Across the U.S., families and survivors are turning their grief into advocacy. Their stories mirror the loss we see in North Carolina communities every year. In Maryland, Dan Langenkamp is riding to the Lincoln Memorial in honor of his wife, Sarah, urging Congress to expand federal support for safer walking and biking infrastructure, policies that would directly benefit cities and towns across North Carolina. In Philadelphia, safety advocates point to dramatic improvements after adding speed safety cameras on dangerous corridors, cutting pedestrian crashes by 50%. And in Fresno, families are calling for redesign of high-injury streets to prevent future deaths. This echos the same kinds of changes needed on many North Carolina corridors where speeding and roadway design contribute to repeated, preventable crashes.
These stories highlight a truth that deeply applies to our state, traffic violence is preventable. Even small reductions in speed can save lives. As we recognize World Day of Remembrance, BikeWalk NC encourages partners, and local leaders across North Carolina to advocate for the systemic changes.
