DELAWARE, Oh. — Each November, SAFE Delaware County Coalition acknowledges those who passed away due to motor vehicle crashes in Delaware County through a remembrance ceremony. Traditionally a display of wreaths with the name of each victim is dedicated as a reminder to drive safely during the holiday season.

This year’s ceremony will honor the memory of 14 traffic crash victims that were taken in 2025. It is SAFE’s honor to invite members of the coalition, loved ones of the victims, the community and members of the media to participate in remembering these traffic victims on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 12pm at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Delaware Post located at 1500 Columbus Pike in Delaware and live on the SAFE Delaware Facebook page.

“The purpose of the annual SAFE Remembers event is to recognize that the lives lost are not forgotten,” said Jackie Bain, SAFE Coalition Coordinator. “It represents this coalition’s plea to all drivers to understand that their behavior on our roadways can change everything. We have the knowledge and tools to protect each other — we just have to implement them.”

SAFE joins communities across the country to commemorate a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed every November to demand safe streets and draw attention to the massive preventable trauma inflicted on Americans by roadway deaths and injuries. The “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” will be Sunday, November 16 by spreading the word about traffic safety awareness. For more info, visit worlddayofremembrance.org/events.

Lead by the Delaware Public Health District, the SAFE Delaware County Coalition serves as a countywide network that unites community partners and leaders in an effort to maximize resources and provide injury prevention awareness related to traffic and child safety. Funding is provided by a grant program that provides federal funds administered through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) to eligible entities to be used for projects such as traffic safety education.

Update: total of deaths due to traffic crashes increased to 15 after press release of posted.