Law enforcement, advocacy groups, and local government are coming together to remember victims of road traffic accidents, while also highlighting efforts to improve street safety.
Street Fair and William’s Walk will host their second annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 16 at the Medical District Park on Madison Avenue and Dunlap Street from 4 to 5 p.m.
The event will include a candlelight vigil for those killed in crashes in 2024, and time for support and connection for those affected by victim deaths.
Memphis reported 188 road fatalities with 350 crashes, earning the city the highest fatal crash rate in the nation in 2024.
“The real tragedy is that these crashes aren’t accidents — they’re almost all preventable,” officials from Street Fair, a street safety advocacy group, said.
Jackson McNeil, transportation and mobility director at Innovate Memphis and leader of the Street Fair initiative, noted that while the city has made strides to reduce roadway fatalities, Memphis’ rate is higher than it was in 2020.
“Street Fair looks forward to continuing our partnership with the city and other local leaders to implement proven solutions that make Memphis streets safer, no matter where you live or how you choose to get around,” McNeil said.
City leaders are currently working on a Safety Action Plan, that is slated to be adopted and completed in 2026. The US Department of Transportation has awarded Memphis a $13 million grant to implement the plan.
Safety Action Plans use recommendations and data from the public along with local leadership to form a “multifaceted approach” to improve road safety.
The plan seeks to improve local policy and roadway safety to reduce fatalities on the road. The city uses input from pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and more. The plan does not include interstates and expressways.