2016 was the year we developed something quite remarkable. We felt it was time to provide an opportunity for the general public to acknowledge those impacted by road trauma in our community. It was that year we developed the Road Accident Remembrance Day.
We feel very privileged to bring to bring to Canterbury, New Zealand’s first Road Accident Remembrance Day. There are many facets to this notable event.
What is so unique about the Road Accident Remembrance Day is that it provides our community to hear first hand experiences of those affected by road trauma through compelling speeches from first responders and those involved in post accident care and recovery through to survivors and families of lost loved ones.
We believe if we place emphasis to the impacts of road crashes, it will help reduce it incidences. We also believe in the importance of educating the public on road crash prevention and providing the on the latest insights from key Government agencies.
There are five facets to the Road Accident Remembrance Day, these are:
ACKNOWLEDGE FIRST RESPONDERS AND THOSE INVOLVED IN POST CRASH CARE AND RECOVERY
Our first responders and those involved in post accident care and recovery bear witness to significant trauma. Although, this is their day job, we believe they deserve recognition.
ACKNOWLEDGE SURVIVORS
It is often survivors who bear witness to significant trauma, survivors may sustain injuries, some which may have long lasting.
ACKNOWLEDGE LOSS OF LOVED ONES
It is important we place significance on those that have passed away on our roads. Each year, we provide a touching tribute to each life lost in the past year through our ‘White Cross Ceremony’. We also provide acknowledgement to the families of those affected. Since 2016, we have worked with approximately 400 families. Some have traveled as far as Australia and across New Zealand to attend.
ROAD SAFETY
We do know that road trauma and its direct impacts have widespread and devastating impact on our communities. In order to minimise the impact on our communities, it is important we place emphasis on road trauma prevention through road safety.
RECOGNITION TO INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND EXTRAORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THROUGH AWARDS
The Canterbury Road Trauma Awards were founded in 2017. It is important we provide tribute to those in our community who make an influential difference in the prevention of road trauma and road crashes in our community.
OFFICIAL PROGRAMMES
2016
2019
