OTTAWA, Ont. — Those roadside crosses that mark the deaths of people killed on Canadian roads may take on a special meaning today – National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims in Canada.

Today marks an opportunity to publicly remember the thousands of Canadian victims of traffic collisions, according to organizers. They also hope the day will serve as reminder of the importance of highway safety.

The National Day of Remembrance is organized by the Canadian Global Road Safety Committee which is made up of injury prevention and road safety professionals.

“We are speaking out against the devastation caused by carelessness, recklessness and impaired judgment behind the wheel,” said Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrator president Charles O’Donnell. “On average, one person dies every three hours in road collisions in Canada – every day of the year. Many more people are seriously injured or indirectly affected by the death or maiming of loved ones.”

He pointed out the majority of deaths and injuries on Canadian roads affect the young.

“The sad fact is that almost all of these deaths and injuries are preventable,” O’Donnell said. “If we drive at a speed that is appropriate for road conditions, wear seat belts, use properly-fitted child restraints, and don’t drive when fatigued, distracted or impaired, we can significantly reduce the number of deaths and injuries from traffic collisions. It’s every motorist’s responsibility to conduct themselves – and their vehicles – in this manner!”

A Web site has been set up at www.rememberroadcrashvictims.ca.