MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Families and friends affected by traffic deaths gathered Saturday on Milwaukee's north side to remember loved ones and connect with others who have experienced similar loss.

The event at ThriveOn King, 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, was held as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, an annual observance honoring people killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes.

So far this year, 43 people have died in traffic crashes in Milwaukee, according to city data.

Many of those who attended Saturday's gathering had lost someone close to them.

Organizers said events like Saturday's provide families with a sense of community while also drawing attention to efforts aimed at preventing future traffic deaths and injuries.

"Being able to talk to other people who understand exactly what I'm going through and that some days I wake up and I really don't want to do anything and this continues to happen," said Mariah Johnson, whose brother was killed as a result of reckless driving. "Our city is reckless and it continues to happen over and over again."

The event included remembrances for those who have died, remarks from affected families and community leaders, resources for victims and activities focused on healing.

Milwaukee has seen fewer traffic deaths compared with the city's recent peak in 2022. City officials said traffic deaths are down about 40% compared with that year.

Still, thousands of people have been hurt on Milwaukee roads in 2026.

According to Milwaukee's Traffic Violence Dashboard, 4,853 people have been injured in 3,387 crashes so far this year.

The city's Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths in Milwaukee by 2037.