San Antonio Shines a Light on World Day of Remembrance
Published on November 18, 2022
Vision Zero San Antonio remembers those who have lost their lives on San Antonio roadways
SAN ANTONIO (November 18, 2022) — The City of San Antonio and Vision Zero San Antonio (VZSA) will mark the World Day of Remembrance, by lighting up the night at the City’s Public Safety headquarters. The Public Safety beacon tower in Unity Plaza will be bathed in yellow light to honor those who have lost their lives to traffic crashes.
“The yellow light of the beacon represents the candle flame, lit to memorialize the victims and their families to road violence,” said Tomika Monterville, Director of San Antonio’s Transportation Department. “We recognize one death is one too many.”
The United Nations chose the third Sunday of each year as the day to acknowledge the suffering and toll from traffic crashes and seek solutions. In San Antonio, friends and family members will remember loved ones while communicating the importance of preventing future deaths.
This year, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio joins VZSA in memorializing the day by lighting its hospital’s “fin,” located next to the Spirit of Healing mural. The fin is 12 stories high and will be illuminated in yellow, which can be viewed from Milam Park.
“Ensuring that the children you love are buckled in a car safety seat at all times during all rides is critically important in keeping your little ones out of harm's way,” said Dr. Jendi Haug, associate trauma medical director for The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. “This one commitment to their safety can save a child’s life. We ask that families make sure they know the proper car restraints for all the different childhood stages. We encourage you to use them for every ride, every time.”
San Antonio police have reported more than 41,000 crashes in the city limits in 2022, with184 deaths. When it comes to our most vulnerable road users, 64 pedestrians and 9 bicyclists have lost their lives so far this year. SAPD and Vision Zero SA are asking drivers to be vigilant, especially at night.
“Those who are walking and biking must stay alert and be aware of their surroundings when crossing busy streets. We remain committed to finding creative solutions to make our streets safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” Monterville added. “Our goal is zero deaths; zero serious injuries.”
To bring attention to the day, Vision Zero San Antonio and the Transportation Department are highlighting several safety projects, including:
- A three-month safety and education campaign along Culebra Road – one of the City’s most dangerous corridors for pedestrian and bicyclist deaths.
- Educating kindergarten through high school students about the importance of safety behind the wheel and while on foot through National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day and San Antonio’s Municipal Courts Week.