Sixty people died in traffic accidents between January 1st and September 11th 2011, sixteen fewer than the same period last year.

Characteristics of the deaths due to traffic accidents which occurred during August included:

52% of those who died were older than 65 years old

38% of those who died were hit while walking or on a bicycle

Of those who died while driving, over half of them (54%) were not wearing a seat belt or seated in a child’s car seat

 

For ten days between September 21st and September 30th the National Traffic Safety Autumn Campaign will take place. This year the campaign’s foundation will be reducing accidents involving children and the elderly. We will have three important targets:

●Reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists at night or sunset

●Making sure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts or using a child seat correctly

●Eradicating drink driving

 

As well as cracking down on dangerous illegal actions such as speeding and drink driving during the campaign, both of which are the main causes of accidents, the Mie Prefecture Police Force will be working with volunteers to hold various events and campaigns to achieve the three aims above and reduce traffic accidents.

 

As well as this, on the 30th September there will be a special campaign called ‘Aiming for Zero Traffic Accidents Day’ taking place on National Route 23. Therefore, the police force has requested that:

– With children and the elderly in mind, please try your hardest to drive both considerately and thoughtfully towards others.

– Please switch on your lights early at sunset as this is the time when a lot of accidents occur, and be quick to switch between your headlight’s low beam and high beam settings according to road conditions. Pedestrians should make sure they are wearing reflective materials to help alert their presence to others.

– If you get into a car please make sure everyone, not just the driver but adults and children as well, is wearing a seatbelt. You should also make sure child seats are fitted correctly.

– You should never drive if you have drunk alcohol, you should also prevent others who have been drinking from getting into the driver’s seat. Please do not offer alcohol to those who will be driving or lend your car to someone who has been drinking.

Autumn to New Year is the road trip season and every year there is an upward trend in road accidents. Please take this opportunity to talk to your family and colleagues so that you can both avoid meeting with or causing a traffic accident.