World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims

Rev. Heidi will be one of many speakers at an event at De Gale Field this Sunday, November 17, commemorating World Day of Remembrance for Road and Traffic Victims. Event details are below, if you would like to attend. Please keep victims of traffic violence in your prayers—and if you or a loved one are still processing a significant injury or death, always feel free to reach out to one of our clergy for ongoing prayer and pastoral support.

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On Sunday, November 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., families of traffic crash victims, road safety advocates, elected officials, and community members will gather at De Gale Field at Goffe Street Park to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and advocate for change in Connecticut.

Family members will share their stories of loss, including Sherry Chapman of Coventry and Carri Roux of Farmington, who both lost their young sons in crashes and have worked tirelessly to create safer roads in Connecticut. We will also honor Yusef Gursey, a member of the New Haven Peace Commission and Greater New Haven Peace Council who was killed by a driver while walking in New Haven in April.

These deeply personal stories will be followed by comments from state and community leaders, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, State Representative Roland Lemar, CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. There will be a roll call of pedestrians and bicyclists who have died on Connecticut roads, and a display of over 300 small flags to represent those lost since last year’s observance. Attendees are encouraged to carry photos of victims.

This event aligns with over 70 communities nationwide recognizing the impact of traffic violence. In 2023, U.S. traffic crashes claimed 40,990 lives—almost equal to gun-related deaths—and resulted in over 2.7 million emergency room visits. The U.S. has the highest traffic death rate among 29 high-income countries analyzed by the CDC.

In Connecticut, more than 310 people died in crashes in 2023, including at least 64 pedestrians and bicyclists. Preliminary results show that as of November 7, 2024, Connecticut has lost 284 lives to traffic crashes, with at least 58 being pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Traffic violence is preventable, and we are committed to raising awareness of this crisis. No one should die on our streets while walking, biking, or driving,” says Amy Watkins of Watch For Me CT. “We must overcome complacency about the tens of thousands of preventable deaths and advocate for safer road designs, lower speed limits, and higher vehicle safety standards.”