Coming Together on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Two people died per day, on average, as a result of traffic violence on Los Angeles County roads in 2024. Connected to those people were countless family members, loved ones, co-workers, and more who are forever impacted by these unnecessary and preventable losses.
For the past seven years, SAFE has commemorated World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims by telling the stories of those whose lives were cut short and by advocating for meaningful change across the county.
This year, we continued that commitment by honoring the victims, uplifting their families, and pushing for safer streets in every community.
We gathered with partner nonprofit organizations and local and state agencies to honor the 711 people who lost their lives on Los Angeles County roadways in 2024.
The event was held in the Caltrans District 7 Building Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles and included an art installation of 711 empty chairs, a press conference, and a safety village where local organizations provided resources to the community.
No More Empty Chairs
Inspired by the Empty Chair Club, developed by the Emily Shane Foundation, 711 black chairs—each adorned with a single yellow rose—were placed throughout the Caltrans and LAPD plazas to represent every life lost to traffic violence in Los Angeles County in 2024.
Families of victims were also invited to decorate a chair in remembrance of their loved one as a way to honor their loved one’s memory.
The Movement Is Growing
SAFE was honored to have the World Day of Remembrance and our work for traffic safety recognized by local legislators throughout the county.
The LA County Board of Supervisors passed a motion proclaiming November 16 as “Los Angeles County Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims.”
SAFE was invited to co-present on the importance of making roadways safer in the City of Los Angeles, alongside Councilmembers Hutt and Yaroslavsky, in commemoration of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The City of West Hollywood recognized World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and SAFE’s work to honor the victims of traffic violence and our continued efforts to make all roadways throughout the county safer for everyone.
Thank You to Everyone Who Recognized This Day
A huge thank-you to all of our partners for committing their time and energy to ensuring this important day was a success.
State and Local Agencies:
California Office of Traffic Safety, Caltrans, CHP, LA County Board of Supervisors, LA County Dept. of Public Health, LA County Public Works, LA Dept. of Transportation, LA City Council, and the West Hollywood City Council.
Partner Nonprofits and Organizations:
The Emily Shane Foundation and The Empty Chair Club, Los Angeles Walks, Bike LA, AAA, Street Racing Kills, SoCal Families for Safe Streets, Car-lite Long Beach, SAFE Families, MoveLA, Stop4Aidan, Bike Culver City, Biking While Black, Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, Mt. Salem–New Wave Christian Fellowship Church, Faith for SAFEr Streets, South Pas Active, and Streets For All.
And a special thank-you to Pyramid Legal for their financial contributions to this event, which helped make it possible. If you would like to contact them for a free case evaluation, you can do so at (818) 946-0763.
Traffic Violence Is Preventable
As we reflect on the traffic deaths in 2024 and look ahead to World Day of Remembrance in 2026, SAFE will continue to push for safer roads until there are no more empty chairs.
Want to be part of the movement for safer streets?
Join the SAFE Streets Collective, volunteer at one of our events, or make a donation to help sustain our programs and advocacy.
Together, we can turn remembrance into action and ensure there are no more empty chairs.