In autumn, the sun sets earlier each day, and the danger at dusk increases. As the fall holiday season approaches and opportunities to get outside increase, there is also concern that traffic accidents may occur more frequently.

Under these circumstances, to avoid accidents caused by the slightest carelessness or inattention, each of us must increase our awareness of road safety and make an effort to drive safely by leaving early to have more time and a relaxed mind.

1. Duration

10 days, from the 21st (Thursday) until September 30th, 2023 (Saturday)

*September 30th is Zero Traffic Death Day

2. Campaign focus

(1) Ensure the safety of pedestrians, including children and the elderly

• Around 30% of traffic deaths are pedestrians. Some accidents involve violations by pedestrians.
• Around 80% of pedestrian deaths are elderly people.
• If you see a child or elderly person, slow down and drive safely.
• Pedestrian priority at crosswalks is not an etiquette but a “rule” stipulated in the Road Traffic Law.
• Drivers must ensure that pedestrians have priority at crosswalks.
• Pedestrians must also cross at the crosswalks whenever there is one nearby.
• Do not use your cell phone when driving, as this is a very dangerous practice that diverts attention from your surroundings and can lead to traffic accidents.

(2) Avoid traffic accidents at dusk and at night and eradicate drunk driving

• In autumn, the sun sets earlier each day, and there is concern about the occurrence of serious accidents at dusk and in the evening.
• Drivers should turn on their headlights earlier and use high beams, and pedestrians should use reflective products to avoid traffic accidents.
• Drinking and driving is a serious crime.
• In addition to not drinking and driving, offering alcohol to a driver, lending a car or being a passenger in the car of a drunk driver is also punishable.
• In addition to drunk driving, obstructive driving is another dangerous behavior that can lead to serious accidents.
• Drive with a sense of “consideration and sharing” to avoid traffic accidents.

(3) Wear helmets and obey traffic rules when riding a bicycle

• Bicycles are vehicles that anyone can easily ride without a driver’s license, but as they are considered a “vehicle”, they must obey traffic rules.
• Effective April 1, 2023, all cyclists, regardless of age, must make an effort to wear a helmet.
• To protect your life, everyone who rides a bicycle must wear a helmet.
• Be aware of the dangers to yourself and others when riding with another person, holding an umbrella while riding a bike, using a smartphone or headphones, among other things, and never drive dangerously.
• As of July 1, 2023, traffic rules for electric kickboards have changed.
• Electric kickboards that meet certain criteria are now subject to new rules as specified for small motorized bicycles.
• Electric kickboards that do not meet the criteria are not classified as specific small motorized bicycles, even if they are shaped like electric kickboards, and existing traffic rules apply as general motorized bicycles.
• Electric kickboards that meet the criteria do not require a driver’s license, but are prohibited from being operated by anyone under 16 years of age.
• When using an electric kickboard, be sure to follow traffic rules and use it safely.

Autumn National Road Safety Campaign Awareness Flyer  (in Japanese only)

Road rules for electric kickboards and other vehicles (in Japanese only)

3. Contact (in Japanese only)

Mieken Kankyo Seikatsu-bu Kurashi Koutsu Anzen-ka Koutzu Anzen-han (三重県　環境生活部　くらし・交通安全課　交通安全班)

Telephone number: 059-224-2410