This day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of November and is dedicated to remembering those killed or injured in road accidents, and their families.

It also serves to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency response crews, law enforcement authorities and all other stakeholders who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road deaths and injury.

Despite all efforts made to promote and improve road safety, serious road accidents are still a reality and have a severe impact on those affected by them.

Each year, millions of newly injured and bereaved people from every corner of the world are added to the countless millions already suffering as the result of road collisions.

WDR is intended to respond to the need of road accident victims for public recognition and has also become an important tool for governments, agencies and companies (such as TRAC) whose business incorporates accident prevention or response to the aftermath.

Trac marked the day with a tree planting ceremony held near Berg-en-Dal Monument on the N4 Toll Route where 18 people lost their lives in a horrific taxi accident in 2011.

Trac representatives, paramedics, traffic officials, pathologists and an EMS chaplain paid tribute to the victims by planting six trees in their honour.

The planting of the trees went hand-in-hand with one of Trac’s Corporate Social Investment projects, “Tree of Remembrance” which was launched in 2014 and allows people to have an indigenous tree planted in memory of loved ones who were the victims of fatal accidents on the N4 route.

“Going into the festive season we again urge motorists to drive safely by obeying road regulations and observing road safety guidelines.”