Roadside memorials are heartfelt tributes placed at accident sites to honor loved ones who have passed away. These memorials, often adorned with flowers, photos, and personal mementos, serve as places of remembrance for grieving families and communities.

Whether you’re searching for a loved one’s memorial, conducting research, or simply paying your respects, this guide will help you locate roadside memorials and understand their significance.

What Are Roadside Memorials?

A roadside memorial is a marker placed at the scene of a fatal accident. These memorials are often set up by family or friends to commemorate the life lost and to raise awareness about road safety. While regulations vary by location, many communities allow them as long as they do not obstruct traffic or pose a hazard.

Ways to Find a Roadside Memorial

1. Use Online Memorial Databases

Several online platforms document roadside memorials, allowing families and researchers to locate them:

  • Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com). Although primarily a cemetery database, some users document roadside memorials.
  • Roadside Memorials Australia. A dedicated platform that collects photos and locations of roadside memorials in Australia.
  • Local News Archives. Newspapers often report on fatal accidents, sometimes mentioning the existence of a roadside memorial.

2. Check Social Media and Community Groups

Many families and friends post about roadside memorials on social media. Try searching:

  • Facebook groups dedicated to local memorials or accident awareness.
  • Instagram or Pinterest hashtags (e.g., #RoadsideMemorial, #InLovingMemory).
  • Reddit communities where people discuss lost loved ones and memorial locations.

3. Visit Government Websites

Some local governments keep records of roadside memorials, especially if they have specific regulations for placement. Check:

  • Department of Transport websites in your state or territory.
  • Local council websites that may list approved roadside memorials.

4. Ask Local Authorities or Emergency Services

Police departments, fire brigades, and ambulance services often have knowledge of accident sites where memorials have been placed. While they may not have an official record, they might be able to direct you to the right location.

5. Drive Along Major Roads and Highways

If you know the approximate location of an accident, physically visiting the area can help you find a roadside memorial. Look for:

  • Crosses, plaques, or floral arrangements near the roadside.
  • Markings on guardrails, trees, or posts.
  • Signs that say, Fatal Accident Site, (used in some regions for awareness).

6. Search Local Funeral Home and Cemetery Records

Some families choose to place a roadside memorial alongside an official headstone. Checking local funeral home websites or cemetery records may provide information about both locations.

Respecting Roadside Memorials

When visiting a roadside memorial:

  • Be respectful: These are places of deep emotional significance.
  • Do not disturb items: Many families leave personal items at the site.
  • Stay safe: If the memorial is near a busy road, ensure you’re parked safely.
  • Follow local laws: Some areas have restrictions on visiting or maintaining roadside memorials.

Can You Create a Roadside Memorial?

If you’re considering setting up a roadside memorial, check with your local council or transport authority. Some areas allow them permanently, while others have time restrictions. If a memorial is not allowed, consider alternative options like:

  • Creating a virtual memorial online.
  • Donating to a road safety organization in your loved one’s name.
  • Placing a memorial bench or tree in a public park.

Final Thoughts

Finding a roadside memorial can provide a sense of closure, remembrance, and connection to a lost loved one. By using online resources, social media, and local authorities, you can locate these heartfelt tributes with care and respect.

If you are looking for support in planning a meaningful memorial service or tribute, eziFunerals can assist you in navigating this emotional journey with compassion and professionalism.

Would you like to share your experience with roadside memorials? Leave a comment below.

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Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.