Traffic tends to increase at the end of the year as more people and vehicles take to the roads.
Let’s all raise our awareness of traffic safety and drive safely by allowing ourselves plenty of time and keeping a calm frame of mind.
1. Campaign period
Ten days, from Tuesday, December 1, through Thursday, December 10, 2026
(Tuesday, December 1, is Mie Prefecture’s “Day for Promoting the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.”)
2. Campaign priorities
(1) Preventing traffic accidents involving children and older adults
- Older drivers should understand how changes in physical function can affect their driving and make a point of adjusting their driving to conditions such as the weather and their physical condition.
- On school routes and residential streets, follow traffic rules and help prevent accidents by keeping in mind that people have priority on the road.
- Watch out for children suddenly running into the street.
- When teaching children about traffic rules, explain what is dangerous and how it can be dangerous.
- At dusk, turn on your lights early so you can spot pedestrians, bicycles and others as soon as possible.
(2) Eliminating drunk driving and other malicious and dangerous driving, including distracted smartphone use
- Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
Drunk driving carries severe penalties. Being arrested for drunk driving or causing an accident while intoxicated could result in losing your job and family, among other consequences.
- Drunk cycling is also strictly prohibited.
- Using a smartphone while driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious traffic accidents. Never do it.
- Make sure you understand the differences between traffic rules here and those in your home country, and drive safely.
(3) Giving pedestrians priority at crosswalks
- If there are pedestrians near a crosswalk, slow down so you can stop immediately. When pedestrians are crossing, always stop and let them cross safely.
- Pedestrians should always use a crosswalk when one is nearby.
Before crossing, stop once and check both ways. Cross only after confirming that it is safe.
- Some drivers may not notice pedestrians.
Pedestrians should signal their intention to cross by raising a hand slightly, for example, and cross only after vehicles have stopped.
(4) Proper use of seat belts and child safety seats
- Buckle up in every seat to protect lives.
- When transporting a child under six, use a child safety seat correctly to help prevent traffic accidents.
- Even for children aged six or older, use a child safety seat or booster seat if they cannot properly wear a seat belt because of their size or other circumstances, such as being small for their age.
(5) Understanding and consistently following traffic rules for bicycles and specified small motorized bicycles, and promoting helmet use
- Bicycles are convenient vehicles that anyone can ride without a driver’s license, but as a type of vehicle, they must be operated in accordance with traffic rules.
- A traffic infraction notification system (“blue tickets”) has been introduced for certain traffic violations committed by bicycle users aged 16 and older.
- Be aware that distracted smartphone use, wearing earphones and riding double are traffic violations, and never operate a bicycle in a way that endangers yourself or others.
- Everyone who rides a bicycle should wear a helmet to protect their life.
- Turn on your bicycle lights early and use reflective materials to make yourself more visible to other vehicles.
- Electric scooters and similar vehicles that meet the applicable standards are classified as “specified small motorized bicycles.” Although no driver’s license is required, they are subject to traffic rules such as the requirement to display a license plate and enroll in compulsory automobile liability insurance.
Before using a “specified small motorized bicycle,” make sure you understand the traffic rules and use it safely.
- Electric motorcycles with pedals (mopeds) are classified as ordinary motorized bicycles or motorcycles, so a driver’s license is required. Please take note.
Awareness flyer available here (Japanese)
3. Contact information (Japanese only)
Mie Prefecture, Department of Environment and Daily Life, Daily Life and Traffic Safety Division, Traffic Safety Section
Telephone: 059-224-2410
