Last month of oOctober was tragic for Yucatán, with a total of 15 Yucatecans killed in traffic accidents, which represents an increase of two more victims compared to the same month last yearwhen 13 deaths were recorded.
In a context of increasing mobility, this figure highlights the urgency of implementing effective measures to prevent these incidents.
René A. Flores Ayora, traffic engineer from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) and road safety auditor for the Technical Secretariat of the National Accident Prevention Council (Stconapra)He added that this situation is alarming.
“From January 1 to November 6 of this year, 235 Yucatecans died in the streets, avenues, peripherals and highways of Yucatán,” he emphasized.
World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Accidents: when is it and why is it commemorated?
On the other hand, he announced that, like every third Sunday in November, the world comes together to commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Accidents, established by an agreement of the ONU’s 2005.
This year, as in previous editions, a group of communicators, reporters, specialists, civil organizations, family and friends will meet at the Monument to the Homeland, to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in traffic accidents.
“This day is a moment of remembrance, reflection and awareness. We gather to honor the victims of traffic accidents, people who are no longer with us, but whose stories and memories live on in those who loved them,” said Flores Ayora.
He noted that, in addition to remembering the victims, the event will also serve to recognize the work of the emergency and security services.
“It is essential to pay tribute to the paramedics, firefighters, police officers, doctors and nurses who every day risk their lives to save others in crisis situations. Their commitment and dedication are an essential pillar in the response to traffic accidents,” he stated.
The interviewee said that, that World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Accidents It is more than a symbolic act; is a call to action to improve road safety.
“Every year we must remember that traffic accidents are a tragedy that can be prevented. It is crucial that we all reflect on our actions on the road and work together to create a safer environment for everyone,” he cited.
This commemoration event, which will take place next domingo 16, seeks not only to remember those who have lost their lives, but also promote a change in the culture of road safety, with the aim of reducing the number of victims on roads and streets around the world.
When returning to the information on the statistics of deaths in traffic accidents in Yucatán, the road safety auditor reiterated that on previous occasions, the number of people killed in traffic accidents is very conservative.
“We could be talking about around 270 deaths, for those who are injured in accidents and later lose their lives as a result of the injuries they suffered in traffic events,” he warned the Diary.
Motorcyclists lead the road victims in Yucatán
The breakdown of the figures revealed the diversity of the victims: 137 motorcyclists, 32 drivers, 33 passengers, 15 cyclists and 18 pedestrians.
“These deaths are not random accidents, they are not fortuitous, and they certainly do not occur by spontaneous generation. They are the result of bad decisions and behaviors on the road,” Flores Ayora emphasized.
The engineer called for changing the terminology commonly used when referring to these incidents.
“The correct word is ‘traffic accident‘, given that These events are preventable, avoidable and have a cause. Identifying and addressing these causes is essential to improve road safety in our state,” he highlighted.
Flores Ayora insisted on the need for greater awareness about road safety, both among drivers and road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
“It is crucial that all road actors understand that safety is a shared responsibility. We must work together to create a safer environment for everyone,” he stressed.
He highlighted the importance of road safety education and the implementation of effective policies to reduce accidents in Yucatán, calling for action and collective responsibility to save lives on the roads.