E.Y.TH.Y.T.A. – Rhodes Road Safety Observatory, an active member of the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR), will commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and invites the public to the General Hospital of Rhodes to participate in memorial events, voluntary blood donation, and free first-aid training.
Every year, the third Sunday in November is dedicated to those who have lost their lives or been injured on the roads, as well as to the families and communities affected by road traffic accidents. Since 1995, at the initiative of victims’ organizations under the umbrella of FEVR, the day has been jointly observed as European Day of Remembrance, and on October 26, 2005, it was officially recognized by the UN General Assembly as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The Rhodes Road Safety Association has been observing the Day of Remembrance since 2006, with a steadfast vision of zero road deaths. For the organization, remembrance is an ongoing commitment to supporting victims, defending their rights, and preventing new tragedies, highlighting the human side of road safety. Behind every victim there is a family, friends, colleagues, and an entire community that is affected, dreams that have been cut short, and injured people facing long-term changes in their daily lives.
At the same time, tribute is paid to ambulance crews, rescue workers, traffic police and firefighters, and healthcare professionals, who face the consequences of traffic accidents every day, as well as to those who defend the rights of victims and their families.
The 2026 figures underscore the need for continued action
According to provisional data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (October 30, 2026), during the eight-month period from January through August 2026, 317 people were killed and 295 were seriously injured in traffic accidents in Greece. Fatalities decreased by 14.6% compared to the same period in 2025 (371 fatalities), however, the number of traffic accidents resulting in death or injury increased by 1.8%, reaching 6,873. In the Dodecanese, in August 2026 alone, four people lost their lives in traffic accidents, compared to one in the same month of 2025.
The global voice of victims calls for specific commitments
The “Global Voice of Road Traffic Victims 2025” manifesto, issued by IRVP, FICVI, and FEVR, sets out five key areas of action:
- Strong political leadership and stable funding: Prioritizing road safety through the Safe System Approach, safe infrastructure, protection of pedestrians and cyclists, safe vehicles, and public transportation.
- Comprehensive care for victims and their families: Access to justice, medical care, rehabilitation, psychological support, and financial compensation.
- Strong legislation and consistent enforcement: Substantive checks for speeding, alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and distraction from cell phones with zero tolerance.
- Justice for victims and accountability: An effective legal system, specialized prosecutors, thorough police investigations, and transparent data collection.
- Timely and effective response to emergencies: Strengthening pre-hospital care and providing appropriate training for first responders.
Event Schedule (Sunday, November 15, 2026)
With the slogan “Remember. Support. Act.” and this year’s campaign theme, “A Light That Unites Us,” the program of events at Rhodes General Hospital is as follows:
- 9:30 a.m. – REMEMBER: A memorial service at the chapel of Rhodes General Hospital and a memorial prayer at the E.Y.THY.T.A. flower bed at the hospital entrance.
- 10:00–13:00 – SUPPORT: Voluntary blood drive in memory of traffic accident victims, in collaboration with the Rhodes Association of Volunteer Blood Donors “Agios Ephraim.”
- 11:00 – TAKE ACTION: Free first-aid training for the public in the amphitheater of the General Hospital of Rhodes, provided by the Rhodes Rescuers.
E.Y.TH.Y.T.A. invites citizens, associations, the educational community, and local organizations to participate in the events. Admission and participation in all activities are free.