Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign

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In autumn, the sun sets earlier each day, increasing the risk of traffic accidents during the hours around dusk.

In addition, people have more opportunities to go out during the autumn travel and leisure season. To avoid traffic accidents, drive safely, allowing yourself plenty of time and staying calm while traveling.

1. Campaign period

For 10 days, from September 21 (Monday) to September 30 (Wednesday), 2026.

September 30 (Wednesday) will be the “Day to Aim for Zero Traffic Accident Fatalities.”

2. Main points of the campaign

(1) Pedestrians: Ensuring pedestrian safety and promoting the use of reflective materials

• When going out at dusk or at night, protect yourself by using reflective items, LED lights, and bright, easily visible clothing such as white or yellow.
• To protect your life, always follow traffic rules. If there is a pedestrian crossing nearby, use it when crossing the road.
• Using a smartphone while walking is extremely dangerous because it makes it difficult to pay attention to your surroundings. When you need to use your phone, stop and check it in a safe place.

(2) Motor vehicles: Turning on headlights early at dusk and eliminating drunk driving and smartphone use while driving

• Driving after consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited.Drunk driving is subject to severe penalties. Being arrested or causing an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol may also lead to serious consequences, such as losing your job or causing problems for your family.

  Let us work together as a society to create an environment where drunk driving is prevented.

• Using a smartphone while driving, commonly referred to in Japan as “nagara sumaho,” is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious traffic accidents. Never use a smartphone while driving.
• Make sure you understand the differences between traffic rules in Japan and those in your home country, and always drive safely.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights early. When there are no oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead of you, use high beams to improve visibility and help prevent traffic accidents.
• Be aware that pedal-equipped electric motorcycles (mopeds) require a driver’s license even when they are operated using only the pedals.

(3) Bicycles: Thoroughly understanding and following traffic rules for bicycles and specified small motorized vehicles

• A bicycle can be used by anyone without a driver’s license, but it is legally considered a vehicle, so cyclists must follow traffic rules.
• A traffic violation notification system, commonly known as the “blue ticket” system (aokippu), has been introduced for certain traffic violations committed by cyclists aged 16 and older.Be aware that actions such as using a smartphone while cycling, wearing earphones, or carrying another person on a bicycle may constitute traffic violations. Never ride in a way that puts yourself or others at risk.
• Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is also subject to severe penalties, just like drunk driving. Never ride a bicycle after drinking alcohol.
• To protect your life, everyone who rides a bicycle should wear a helmet.
• Turn on your bicycle light early and use reflective materials to make yourself more visible to other vehicles.
• Electric kick scooters that meet the required standards are classified as “specified small motorized bicycles” (特定小型原動機付自転車) and do not require a driver’s license.However, users must comply with traffic rules, including requirements to install a license plate and obtain compulsory automobile liability insurance (自賠責保険).

  Before using an electric kick scooter, make sure you understand the traffic rules and use it safely.

Informational leaflet available here (in Japanese).

3. Inquiries – Japanese only

Mie Prefecture, Department of Environment and Community Affairs, Living and Traffic Safety Division, Traffic Safety Section

三重県　環境生活部　くらし・交通安全課　交通安全班

Telephone: 059-224-2410