We take it for granted every day. We commute to work, drive across town and travel around the country on vacation. We give little thought to all those other lives we pass along our way.
The third Sunday in November is always a good day to slow down and consider the harm we do when we ignore how our paths cross. Set aside for reflection and prayer, the date is designated as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
This observance originated in the United Kingdom in 1993 and came about through the efforts of Road Peace, a charitable foundation that helps the families of victims who have died in road accidents.
Since its inception, this special day has been adopted by more than 100 countries and is supported by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Although marking this day is a somber affair, it generates awareness and promotes education worldwide.
Today we leave our hurrying behind and think about how our paths cross. Whether we are sitting in rush-hour traffic or speeding down the highway, we have a responsibility to those around us.
With all our travels, we rarely stop to consider who sits in the car in front of us or who we just passed on the road.
This Day of Remembrance is a good time to slow down, think about each other and make sure that when our paths cross, we show care and respect to our fellow travelers.