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 September 21 (Saturday) to September 30, 2024 (Monday)

*September 30th is Zero Traffic Death Day

2. Campaign focus

(1) Prevent traffic accidents involving pedestrians by promoting the use of reflective materials and other equipment, and practicing safe crossing methods.

• When out at dusk or at night, protect your own life by using reflective equipment and LEDs.
• Around 40% of traffic deaths are pedestrians (data from July 2024). Some accidents involve pedestrian violations.
• Pedestrians should cross crosswalks whenever there is one nearby.
• Don’t walk with your cell phone in your hand, as this is a very dangerous practice that distracts attention from your surroundings and can lead to traffic accidents.

(2) Promoting the early switching on of lights and the use of high beams after dark and eradicating drunken driving

• Drivers should turn on their lights earlier and use high beams, and pedestrians should use reflective products to avoid traffic accidents.
• At night, slow down and switch between high and low beams frequently.
• Drinking and driving is a serious offense.
• In addition to not drinking and driving, offering alcohol to a driver, lending a car or being a passenger in a drunk driver’s car is also punishable.
• In addition to drunken 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) Ensure the use of helmets and compliance with traffic rules when using bicycles and specific small motorized vehicles.

• 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.
• To protect your life, everyone who rides a bicycle should wear a helmet.
• Be aware of the dangers to yourself and others when riding with another person, holding an umbrella while cycling, using a smartphone or headphones, among other attitudes, and never drive dangerously.
• Electric kickboards that meet certain criteria are classified as specified small motorized bicycles, which are categorized differently from ordinary motorized bicycles, but are subject to traffic rules, such as the obligation to attach license plates and to take out motor vehicle liability insurance, etc.
• 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 the existing traffic rules apply as motorized bicycles in general.
• When using an electric kickboard, make sure you follow the traffic rules and use it safely.

Autumn National Road Safety Campaign Awareness Flyer (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