Clark County marked the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday with a "Rally to Remember," honoring lives lost to road crashes. The event, introduced by the World Health Organization in 2005 and observed locally since 2017, featured activities to engage the community and highlight road safety, according to News3LV.
The day's events resonated with the community, featuring a 5K run, pit stops for cyclists and motorcyclists, a one-mile fun walk, and a showcase of old and new vehicles, according to News3LV. Erin Breen, Director of the Road Equity Alliance at UNLV, explained, "We have participated in the World Day of Remembrance which was established by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is always the 3rd Sunday in November. In America, it is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Because it was not this year, we decided to do a Rally to Remember and there was a run, a bicycle race, a motorcycle rally, and a car show."
The remembrance included a silent ride and a Candlelight Memorial for Road Crash Victims, honoring both victims and first responders, including police, fire, and ambulance crews. This tribute began with Emergency Responder Week.
According to KTNV, hundreds gathered at the Silverado Ranch Community Center to mourn and advocate for road safety. Victims' families, including Norma Aguilar, who lost her daughter Savannah to a red-light runner, shared emotional stories. "Today we remember them, every day we remember them, and we always remember them," Norma said. Local resident Brenton Underwood urged the community to work together to reduce risks and improve road safety.
The Nevada Office of Traffic Safety highlights impairment and speed as key factors in the rise of fatal crashes, emphasizing the need for caution to ensure everyone gets home safely. "Please slow down, make sure that everybody gets home at the end of the day and safely through the holiday," Breen said in a statement to KTNV. The community hopes for legislative action in the 2025 session to address reckless driving and improve road safety, driven by the wishes of people like Vanessa Aguilar, who hope others recognize the dangers of unsafe driving.
