SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Sunday was World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Walk Bike Springfield and the Holyoke Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee came together Sunday afternoon to honor the lives of those killed in local accidents.
Organizers told Western Mass News that this year alone, 48 people have been victims of car accidents on Hamden County highways, including a woman who used to work at the city library.
The tribute was held on the steps of the Central Library on State Street. Yellow shoes filled the steps, each pair representing a life lost. Loved ones of the victims came together to reflect and talk about these tragedies, including George Miller. His wife, Gayle Ball, was struck and killed by a car last year on State Street after leaving the Springfield City Library where she worked. A monument to her stands just across the street.
Although George misses his wife, he told Western Mass News that he will continue to tell her story and stand up for her.
“I do everything I can in a personal way to continue to shed light on this issue to keep the awareness high and really present to many people about the need for safer streets for safer drivers and again, safety is really what it’s all about. treat,” he said.
Something the organizers said we should all do.
“Ten drivers left were the drivers and they were sorry they left too, but the fact that there were drivers killing 65 percent of these people is not acceptable. People need to slow down, focus on driving, take their eyes off their phones,” said Deborah Huber of Walk Bike Springfield.
Sunday’s ceremony ended with the singing of “Amazing Grace” and the reading of proclamations from Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
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