**Event Honors Those Killed or Injured in Road Collisions in San Luis Obispo County**
The San Luis Obispo County Community Emergency Response Team and Safe America Movement’s PASOSafe Volunteer Initiative will host the second annual San Luis Obispo County World Day of Remembrance on **November 16** at Centennial Park, located at 600 Nickerson Drive in Paso Robles.
The community memorial and road safety event will begin with a reception from **1:00 to 1:30 p.m.**, followed by the memorial program from **1:30 to 2:30 p.m.** There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome. The event specifically invites residents who have lost a family member or friend in a road collision at any time to join in remembrance and support.
### About the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global event that began in 1993 at a conference organized by the British organization RoadPeace in London. The observance was introduced in the United States in 2005 through the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition.
This solemn day honors those who have been killed or seriously injured in traffic incidents. It also recognizes the profound suffering experienced by victims and their families. In San Luis Obispo County, the annual event provides support to those affected by roadway tragedies while raising awareness about the importance of road safety.
### What to Expect at the Memorial Program
The memorial will feature:
– Personal stories shared by community members
– Road safety updates from local agencies
– Grief support resources
– Visual displays commemorating victims
– The symbolic ringing of a bell
– A dove release ceremony
Attendees will also have the opportunity to raise roses with ribbons as a tribute to those who have been lost on the road.
### Local Support and Safety Initiatives
The first San Luis Obispo County World Day of Remembrance took place in 2023 and was sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) and its Road to Zero Steering Committee. During the October 2, 2024 board meeting, SLOCOG Board President Andy Pease read a proclamation designating the third Sunday of November as the official World Day of Remembrance for San Luis Obispo County.
The proclamation emphasized that road fatalities and serious injuries are preventable and encouraged all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to prioritize safety on local roads.
This year, SLOCOG is partnering as a community participant by presenting an overview of the **2025 Regional Road Safety Action Plan**. This plan highlights ongoing safety initiatives and invites public input on local road safety concerns. It builds upon the Federal Highway Administration’s Road to Zero Coalition, which has a goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
### Road Safety Data and Goals
Between 2019 and 2024, San Luis Obispo County reported **159 fatalities** and **934 serious injuries** related to traffic collisions. The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments is committed to reducing these numbers with the ultimate aim of reaching **zero traffic-related deaths or serious injuries** in the county.
—
For those interested in learning more or participating in the World Day of Remembrance event, please join the community on November 16 at Centennial Park. Together, the community can honor the victims and work toward safer roads for everyone.
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/volunteer-groups-to-hold-world-day-of-remembrance-in-paso-robles/215845/
