The UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on the 16th of November 2025. This day serves as a global occasion to honour those who have been killed or seriously injured in road traffic incidents. Established through the General Assembly resolution 60/5, it provides a platform for drawing attention to the emotional, economic, and societal impacts of road traffic crashes. The observance importance lies in acknowledging the suffering of victims and their families, as well as honouring the essential work of emergency and support services around the world.

From the perspective of Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, road safety has become a pivotal aspect of urban sustainability. The day emphasizes urgent themes such as the disproportionate impact of traffic crashes on vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—and the necessity for evidence-based interventions in city planning. The WHO’s Global Status Report on Road Safety (2018) highlights that over1.35 million lives are lost annually to road traffic accidents. This alarming statistic is particularly significant for those aged 5–29 years, predominantly affecting those in developing regions, underscoring disparities in urban safety and mobility.

In this context, Frontiers is launching a new article collection to align with the UN World Day of Remembrance. This collection aims to explore transformative research, advocacy, and policy strategies in constructing safer, inclusive urban environments. Our aim in this Research Topic is to explore the urban-specific dimensions of road traffic casualties, reinforcing the significance of integrating road safety with broader sustainable urban development goals. We seek diverse contributions that address methods cities can employ to better protect vulnerable road users, utilize technology for safer streets, enhance legal responses to road traffic incidents, and provide holistic support to victims and their families. The day is further underscored by the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 which targets halving road traffic deaths, thus requiring innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.

Topics may include, but are by no means limited to:

o Urban planning and design for safe mobility
o Policies and technologies to protect vulnerable road users
o Inclusive approaches for low- and middle-income cities
o Legal and social justice for road traffic victims
o Trauma-informed urban governance and emergency response
o Community engagement in road safety advocacy
o Storytelling and memory in the aftermath of road crashes

On this World Day of Remembrance, we reflect on the transformative power of remembering “that day” the day lives were irrevocably changed by road traffic incidents. We invite you to join in commemorating victims, supporting survivors, and contributing to a safer future for everyone navigating our cities.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2025