‘World Day of Remembrance’ Honors Those Killed in Massachusetts Traffic Crashes

A "World Day of Remembrance" event honoring those killed in traffic crashes was held on Sunday, Nov. 16, on the steps of the State House.

Organizers of the event stressed that approximately 2,130 people killed or seriously injured annually is unacceptable and called for stronger road safety measures. Members of the Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition, an advocacy group supporting traffic safety, said several events were held throughout the week leading up to and across the state on Sunday, including in Cambridge, Worcester, Taunton, and more.

According to 7NEWS Boston, this year's activities featured a ride from Cambridge, a walk at the Boston Common, and a rally at the State House. There, traffic crash survivors, families, community and faith leaders, and policy makers shared stories and proposed solutions to curtail traffic violence in Massachusetts.

According to a Boston Herald report, Massachusetts Families for Safe Streets noted that more than 2,165 serious traffic crashes have occurred so far in 2025. The group Massachusetts Families for Safe Streets is calling attention to this fact with the installation of more than 300 yellow flags.

Advocates are also urging action to approve safety camera legislation (bills S.2344 and H.3754) and expand truck safety measures (bills S.2343 and H.3653) to reduce injuries and fatalities. According to the Boston Herald, the organization MassBike frames the bills as tools to protect the public from crashes and urges residents to contact legislators and organize local events to promote safer streets.

“Every year, the World Day of Remembrance serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and forever altered by traffic crashes,” MassBike wrote. “Please join us in honoring their memories by advocating for safer streets for everyone.”