The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 87 (H. Con. Res. 87), supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims and their families. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen on March 8, 2007 and co-sponsored by 55 representatives.
Road crashes kill 1.2 million people each year and are the leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. Economically, crashes cost nations an average of 3% to 5% of GDP.
Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) President Rochelle Sobel praised the passage of H. Con. Res. 87 as a momentous occasion in the movement to reduce the impact of road crashes worldwide. “Through the passage of this resolution the United States Congress not only honors the memory of road crash victims the world over, but also acknowledges that the global road safety crisis is a health epidemic of the highest magnitude that must be addressed.”
Rep. Wexler, co-chair of the Congressional Global Road Safety Caucus, encouraged the United States to continue to lead on this issue. “It is imperative that the United States take a leadership role in establishing the importance of road safety at home and abroad,” stated Rep. Wexler. “Creating a day of remembrance would provide the world with a focal point for programs and activities… I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and organizations like the Association for Safe International Road Travel as we work to raise awareness on the issue.”
Rep. Van Hollen, who co-chairs the Congressional Global Road Safety Caucus with Rep. Wexler, spoke about the importance of the resolution for global road safety efforts. "Establishing a day of remembrance will raise awareness about the critical issue of road safety, not just in the United States but around the world," said Congressman Van Hollen. "I applaud the valiant efforts of my constituent Rochelle Sobel who has turned her own tragedy into an international effort to prevent senseless suffering from road crashes."
ASIRT was founded by Rochelle Sobel in 1995 after her son died in bus crash in Turkey. It is the only U.S.-based international road safety organization dedicated to improving global road safety and preventing tragedies through education and advocacy. ASIRT educates travelers about existing conditions and supports local sustainable road safety partnerships in many countries to reduce death and injury associated with road travel around the world.
Association for Safe International Road Travel website: www.asirt.org