Every year, the third Sunday of November is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed and injured annually on the world’s roads. This day focuses on both the overall scale and the individual devastation caused by road deaths and injuries and the impact upon families and communities around the world. Almost 4,000 people are killed and many hundreds of thousands injured on roads throughout the world every day. Many more have to cope with bereavement or the effects of injury and thus become part of the huge group of people affected by road carnage.
EASST Partner Gela Kvashilava leads events in Georgia
World Day of Remembrance events and services take place throughout the world. In EASST’s partner countries, our colleagues organised in events in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova to mark this day. The Partnership for Road Safety, based in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, joined young people in Kutaisi, Telavi and the capital in distributing road safety messages. This included youth club members and “Georgia Red Cross Society” conducting public performances and distributing stickers and flickers. EASST Advisor Gela Kvashilava delivered a public lecture at the International Black Sea University which resulted in the creation of the IBSU Road Safety Club.
EASST Partner Chinara Kasmambetova at the Kyrgyz National Agricultural University
In Kyrgyzstan, our local partner ‘Road Safety NGO’ organized a seminar with students of the Technical and Economic Colleague under the Kyrgyz National Agricultural University dedicated World Remembrance Day. Three presentations were delivered to students: by teacher Rima Baymurzina, by third year student Islambek uulu Altynbek, and by EASST Advisor Chinara Kasmambetova who particularly focused on the dangers of speeding – the theme of this year’s Remembrance Day. About 70-80 students participated in the event which also included the demonstration of a photo slideshow of some of the road traffic collisions taken place this year. Representatives of the Transport Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic also attended to mark the special day.
EASST Partner Deputy Minister Serghei Diaconu attends the memorial service in Chisinau
During the period 14-18 November 2014, the Automobile Club of Moldova organised and participated in series of actions to commemorate all those who have died in road traffic collisions and to increase society’s awareness about the tragic consequences of speeding, lack of seat belt use, drunk driving and other actions. On 14 November, pupils from “Chiril si Metodiu” Lyceum of Chisinau (participants of the “Road Safety is Life” contest) organised a commemoration event with 200 school children and guests from the UK and ACM team. The event started with a moment of silence in memory of those who died in traffic accidents, followed by an excellent and creative road safety show. The students will present their show in other schools in Moldova in order to promote road safety in a way that children understand.
EASST and Operation Florian join the ACM at the “Chiril si Metodiu” Lyceum
Tatiana Mihailova, Project Manager of the ACM, introduced guests from the UK in attendance: Julie Utting from EASST, and Matt Hitam, Bruce Hoad, and Jolyon Ditton from Operation Florian who were in Moldova planning the possible donation of further fire engines and training to Moldova in order to improve the emergency response to car crashes. Tatiana praised the presentation made by the children and thanked the Road Safety Team and their active mentor, Mrs. Tatiana Rosca, for the permanent support and involvement in the road safety activities of the ACM. She commented that the support provided by each person involved is working to achieve a common goal – saving as many lives as possible on the roads.
On 18 November, the ACM in partnership with the National Patrol Inspectorate organised a parade dedicated to the Day of Remembrance. In accordance with the 2014 theme of speeding, the ACM organised for 7 cars (including one destroyed in a road traffic collision) to be part of the parade. The parade concluded at Cathedral Square where a commermeration service was held with Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs Mr. Serghei Diaconu; the Head of Police Mr. Ion Bodrug; the Head of Patrol Police Mr. Marin Maxian, the ACM team, and relatives and friends of those who died in traffic accidents.The event was also attended by two road safety teams of pupils from “Chiril si Metodiu” and “Petru Stefanuca” Lyceums.
Virginia Mandalac of the ACM spoke at Cathedral Square on behalf of the ACM
Alexandru Dergacev from“Chiril si Metodiu” Lyceum came with a message to all road users: “Knowing and respecting traffic rules is the guarantee life. We, pupils from “Chiril si Metodiu” Lyceum participate in various road safety actions, because we understand that our aim is to share with our colleagues and fellow citizens the importance and actuality of this problem. “
The event ended with all participants lighting candles and releasing balloons into the sky in memory of the deceased and a service was officiated at the Cathedral.
Moldova media coverage:
http://www.tv7.md/ru/obschestvo/v-kishineve-pomyanuli-lyudey-pogibshih-v-avariyah/
http://nationalfm.md/ziua-comemorarii-victimelor-accidentelor-rutiere-a-fost-marcata-si-la-chisinau/
http://www.eurotv.md/stire-comemorare-cu-lumanari-si-baloane
Kyrgyzstan media coverage:
http://mtc.gov.kg/kg/news/890.html
http://kg.akipress.org/news:606437
www.knews.kg/society/57066_v_kyirgyizstane_pochtut_pamyat_jertv_dtp/
