SAFE Observes World Day of Remembrance

SAFE Observes World Day of Remembrance

Honors Families, Salutes SSF, and Highlights the Urgent Need for Stronger Road Governance

Chandigarh 16 November ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : In observance of the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims, Safety Alliance for Everyone (SAFE), a society dedicated to road safety, organized an emotional and impactful event at the Chandigarh Press Club today. This solemn annual observance honours road crash victims, supports bereaved families, and calls for decisive action to prevent further tragedies. The global theme for 2025, “Lost Talents,” underscores the tremendous loss of human potential caused by preventable road crashes. The event was graced by A. S. Rai, IPS, Special DGP, Road Safety & Traffic Management, Punjab; Mohinder Singh KP, Ex-MP, who recently lost his young son in a tragic road crash. Families who lost their loved ones gathered to remember and honour them. SAFE also created a powerful visual reminder of the national crisis by representing the 473 daily road deaths in India with 473 candles, symbolizing the scale of loss and the urgency for action. Honouring the SSF and Families of Victims, SAFE acknowledged the exemplary life-saving contributions of the Punjab Sadak Suraksha Force (SSF). Each SSF member was presented with a potted plant carrying the message: “Thank You – Your Action Saves Lives.” 

A.S. Rai, ADGP (Traffic & SSF), stated, "Today, as we remember those lost on our roads, our most meaningful tribute is action. The SSF's data-driven model proves that road fatalities are not inevitable; they are preventable. A 48% reduction is not just a statistic; it is a direct result of our CM's 'Vision Zero' mandate and the relentless 24/7 dedication of our 1,500 personnel. This model is working, and we are committed to strengthening it." Similarly, SAFE presented potted plants to families of road crash victims carrying the message: ‘Forever in our hearts, You Live On’. Addressing the gathering, Rupinder Singh, Chairman, SAFE, powerfully reiterated that road crashes are causative, not accidental. He added “There is nothing accidental about road crashes. They are the result of identifiable causes, preventable factors, and governance gaps.” To demonstrate the devastating impact of speed, he performed a symbolic act: he blew out a candle, reminding the audience that the gentle speed of human breath can extinguish a flame and human life is equally fragile. SAFE has been at the forefront of road safety awareness, community outreach, and advocacy.