Remembering the Victims of Road Collisions

An Evensong service will take place at Gloucester Cathedral on Sunday 18th November to remember the victims of road collisions.

The service which starts at 3pm is part of RoadPeace’s World Remembrance Day. The Day was initiated by RoadPeace 14 years ago and observed and promoted by the charity nationally and internationally, resulting in its adoption by the United Nations in October 2005 - as 'an appropriate acknowledgement for victims of road traffic crashes and their families'.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Chairman of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, Chris Griffin, said: “With over 3500 people killed and more than 150,000 injured every day on the world's roads, road death and injury represents a global disaster, which is, however, not receiving the serious attention it needs. I am pleased to be able to take part in this ceremony which not only remembers victims and their families in Gloucestershire but also across the world.”

For Kate Tucker, who's first husband died when his motorbike was in collision with a careless car driver almost six years ago and who now represents RoadPeace on the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, the event is particularly poignant.

"I have been to the service every year since Ken was killed and have always found it a great comfort”, she said. “This year there will be remembrance boards in the Cathedral that bear the details of the 38 people killed on Gloucestershire’s roads last year. We hope it will provide a focus for reflection for their relatives".

Services, concerts and other events will mark the day throughout the UK and worldwide, when millions of people who lost their lives on the road will be remembered and the devastation caused to families and communities highlighted.

Revd Lynne Chitty from Gloucester Cathedral, said: “People bereaved and injured through a road crash, like other victims of violence and trauma, need public acknowledgement of their loss and suffering, which the observance of this World Remembrance Day offers.”

The emergency services and others affected or involved in the aftermath of these tragedies will also be remembered. Over 30 remembrance services will be held UK-wide, with a multi-faith service in London at St James's Piccadilly.

Gloucestershire County Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member responsible for community safety said, "The numbers of people killed on our roads represents a tragic waste of life that has a ripple effect far beyond the immediate next of kin.

“An event like this gives us the chance to come together and reflect not only on all those who have lost their lives but also on the consequential impact on families, friends and our wider community and perhaps enable us to face up to the equally pertinent question of how we behave and drive on our roads".

Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony, details below:
Gloucester Cathedral Evensong Remembering the Victims of Road Collisions Sunday 18th November at 3:00 pm
With the blessing of oak leaves by the Dean
Refreshments afterwards at 7 College Green
A retiring collection will be received for the work of the Cathedral and Roadpeace

ENDS

Contacts:
Revd Lynne Chitty 01452 414616,
email: lynnechitty@gloucestercathedral.org.uk
Amy Aeron-Thomas Roadpeace,  07905 847 917
Kate Tucker Roadpeace (local contact) 01453 843735  [0797 6636770)

Issued by Graham Gardner, Gloucestershire County Council Media Team, 01452 425816, email: graham.gardner@gloucestershire.gov.uk

14th November 2007