Wilmington to Honor Road Traffic Victims This Sunday

People killed and seriously injured on North Carolina roadways will be honored at a Wilmington gathering scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, at City Hall, WECT reported.

The public and media are invited to attend the observance, which forms part of a worldwide day of remembrance meant to recognize first responders and advocate for safer driving habits.

Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed Nov. 15 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in North Carolina. In his proclamation, Stein emphasized that motor vehicle crashes are preventable and remain a leading cause of death for children and teenagers across the United States.

State records compiled by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles show North Carolina recorded 1,524 traffic deaths in 2025. That figure marks the lowest total in five years and represents a 12 percent decrease from 2024 numbers.

“We’re heartened by that drop,” North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation board chair Tiffany Wright said, adding that looking at all those empty shoes makes you think about the people, including children, lost to carelessness on our roads and conclude that we can and must do better.

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Organizers from the North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation incorporate empty pairs of shoes at remembrance events to visually represent those who have died in crashes. The alliance announced that teen ambassadors will share personal stories of loss during events held across the state.

State statistics indicate North Carolina has averaged 1,675 roadway deaths and more than 114,000 injuries annually in recent years. In response to these figures, Wright urged motorists to reduce their speed, eliminate distractions like mobile phones, avoid drinking behind the wheel, and consistently wear seat belts.