World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

The Council is recognizing November 15, 2026, as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the City of Boston, honoring those who have lost their lives to traffic violence and recognizing the families and communities impacted by roadway crashes. The Council is also expressing its support for individuals and organizations advocating for safer streets and renewed efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed globally on the third Sunday of November each year. The day honors those who have lost their lives or been impacted by roadway crashes and brings communities together to raise awareness about traffic violence and call for action to improve street safety. Communities across the United States and around the world use the observance to highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address traffic-related deaths and injuries.

According to the resolution, Massachusetts recorded 354 traffic fatalities in 2025, 21% of which involved pedestrians, including 11 pedestrian fatalities in Boston. The City of Boston's Vision Zero crash data also reported nearly 600 pedestrian-involved crashes requiring an EMS response and more than 200 crashes involving cyclists. As of October 2026, 75 pedestrians had lost their lives to traffic violence across the Commonwealth. According to the resolution, Massachusetts recorded 354 traffic fatalities in 2025, 21% of which involved pedestrians, including 11 pedestrian fatalities in Boston. The City of Boston's Vision Zero crash data also reported nearly 600 pedestrian-involved crashes requiring an EMS response and more than 200 crashes involving cyclists. As of October 2026, 75 pedestrians had lost their lives to traffic violence across the Commonwealth.

The resolution also recognizes Ride for Your Life, which hosted an event in Boston on October 25, 2026. The event brought participants together to walk, bike, and rally for change, remember those lost to traffic violence in Massachusetts, and support local advocacy organizations.

The resolution highlights the Council's July 2026 vote to recommit to Vision Zero and the goal of preventing traffic deaths through safety-focused infrastructure. It also identifies the World Day of Remembrance as an opportunity to encourage governments to invest in proven safety strategies and technologies, including roadway redesign, reduced traffic speeds, and improved vehicle safety.

The Council is reaffirming its commitment to building safer streets in Boston and urging the Massachusetts Legislature to advance road safety measures, including legislation authorizing speed cameras and increasing accountability for truck safety features.

Through the resolution, the Council honors those lost to traffic violence, recognizes the families and communities affected, and supports the continued advocacy of individuals and organizations working to make streets safer for everyone.