Wilmington gathering will honor lives lost in traffic crashes

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A Wilmington gathering will honor people killed and seriously injured in traffic crashes as part of a worldwide day of remembrance.

The observance also recognizes first responders and encourages safer driving. Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed Nov. 15 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation and its partners use empty pairs of shoes at remembrance events to represent the people who have died. The alliance said some of its teen ambassadors will share personal stories of loss at events across the state.

In his proclamation, Stein noted that crashes are preventable and that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. North Carolina has averaged 1,675 roadway deaths and more than 114,000 injuries a year in recent years, the proclamation said.

The state recorded 1,524 traffic deaths in 2025, its lowest total in five years and a 12% decrease from 2024, according to figures compiled by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

“We’re heartened by that drop,” alliance board chair Tiffany Wright said. “But you look at all those empty shoes, and you think about the people, including children, lost to carelessness on our roads, and you have to conclude: We can and must do better.”

The Wilmington event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at City Hall. It is open to the public and the media.

Wright encouraged drivers to slow down, avoid drinking and using their phones behind the wheel, and wear seat belts.