Ceremony to be held in remembrance of victims of traffic accidents

The annual event aims to raise public awareness about traffic accidents, enhance understanding of traffic safety rules, and call for assistance to traffic accident victims and their families, according to the National Committee for Traffic Safety. 

This marks the 12th year that such a ceremony has been held in Vietnam. In the light of hundreds of candles, participants will observe a one-minute silence in honour of those who have died of traffic accidents. 

The event is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. on November 19 and will be live broadcast on Vietnam Television.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is held every year on the third Sunday of November, which falls on November 19 this year.

Statistics show traffic accidents kill 1.3 million people and injure 50 million every year worldwide, with these incidents being the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 27.

In Vietnam, between January and October a total of 9,826 traffic accidents occurred nationwide, claiming 5,496 lives and injuring 6,973 others, up 2.65%, 12.54%, and 5.11%, respectively year on year.

October alone saw 1,491 traffic accidents occur, leaving 731 dead and 1,171 injured.