Volunteer groups to hold World Day of Remembrance in Paso Robles
Event honors those killed or injured in road collisions
– The San Luis Obispo County Community Emergency Response Team and Safe America Movement’s PASOSafe Volunteer Initiative will host the second annual San Luis Obispo County World Day of Remembrance on Nov. 16 at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive, in Paso Robles.
The community memorial and road safety event will begin with a reception from 1 to 1:30 p.m., followed by a memorial from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
The event invites residents who have lost a family member or friend in a road collision at any time to attend. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global event that began in 1993 at a conference organized by the British organization RoadPeace in London. It was introduced in the United States in 2005 through the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition. The event honors those killed or seriously injured in traffic incidents and recognizes the suffering of victims and their families.
In San Luis Obispo County, the annual event offers support to those affected by roadway tragedies and raises awareness about road safety. The memorial program will include community members sharing personal stories, road safety updates from agencies, grief support, visual displays, the ringing of a bell, and a dove release. Attendees will raise roses with ribbons to honor those who have been lost.
The first San Luis Obispo County World Day of Remembrance was held in 2024, sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and its Road to Zero Steering Committee. During the Oct. 2, 2024, council meeting, Board President Andy Pease read a proclamation designating the third Sunday of November as the World Day of Remembrance for San Luis Obispo County. The proclamation recognized that road fatalities and serious injuries are preventable and encouraged all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to prioritize safety.
This year, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments will participate as a community partner by presenting an overview of the 2025 Regional Road Safety Action Plan, which highlights ongoing safety initiatives and invites public input on local road safety concerns. The plan builds on the Federal Highway Administration’s Road to Zero Coalition, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
According to the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, between 2019 and 2024, the county reported 159 fatalities and 934 serious injuries. The agency’s goal is to reach zero traffic-related deaths or serious injuries.
For more information or to get involved as a speaker or volunteer, visit wdor-slo.org.
