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Autumn traffic safety campaign kicks off Monday

16 Comments

The Japanese government's autumn nationwide traffic safety campaign kicks off on Monday. The campaign, which runs until Sept 30, is held twice a year -- in spring and autumn.

AKB48 singer Aki Takajo, who was named honorary police chief for a day in Harajuku, Tokyo, took part in an event on Saturday to raise awareness for the campaign which promotes safe driving. She urged spectators to be careful when crossing the street and to always watch out for traffic.

The autumn campaign is focusing on reducing the number of fatalities among children by urging parents to hold their young children by the hand when they cross streets, or are in car parks. The National Police Agency (NPA) is also urging cyclists to observe the rules of the road.

So far this year, the number of traffic fatalities in Tokyo is 115, which is 15 more than for the same period last year, according to the NPA.

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16 Comments
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Oh great! So AKB48 can get all motorists to stop at the thousands of zebra crossings which are a waste of money as nobody ever stops for pedestrians. Training for Japanese drivers to reverse properly, stop overtaking on the inside and all the other crazy manouvers I see on the roads each day driving dangerously without regard to anyone.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

"So far this year, the number of traffic fatalities in Tokyo is 115, which is 15 more than for the same period last year, according to the NPA."

Maybe if the police did a little more than just stand out at corners two weeks out of the year this would help! They could get rid of Japan's debt in one week alone if they ticketed all the people who commit traffic violations here.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

She urged spectators to be careful when crossing the street and to always watch out for traffic.

Ohhh...so that's what I've been doing wrong. I thought you were supposed to lie down in the middle and close your eyes.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

115 in a city of millions seems like a really, really low number. Anyone got any comparisons?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

But what is a traffic death? It has been defined as anyone who dies as a result of a road accident within 24 hours. With better emergency care the number of road deaths within 24 hours decline.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Anyone got any comparisons?

132 fatalities in Greater London in 2013. 269 in New York city in 2014.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Yep! I saw this campaign in action this afternoon. There were three cops patrolling the local supermarket car park checking bicycle registrations. Heavy stuff!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@Disillusioned

I was stopped by the cops to see my bicycle registration today - first time in 6 years!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

most countries a road death is one where accident was up to 1 month before....japan cooks the books

1 ( +1 / -0 )

C'mon. This has nothing to do with road safety. It's a windfall tax levied on motorists where the coppers are let off the leash to bust motorists for every minor infraction. Down my way the cops park outside the local university and bust the students as they go into morning classes. Scooters, cars, bicycles, bad fashion.. you name it and they'll bust it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The cops here love to hide near 'stop signs' and catch drivers not stopping for the requisite 3 seconds! Getting busted not only means a fine but also a 3 year licence renewal It is really pathetic that bad highway driving can be the norm here especially tailgating whereas the easy prey is always targeted ......

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The National Police Agency (NPA) is also urging cyclists to observe the rules of the road.

Caution to myself: Do not ride the bicycle holding an umbrella open especially till the end of this month. Recently introduced no-umbrella-on-the-bike rule is really cramping my style.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

gabria1888,

You can use an umbrella on a bike by using an umbrella holder which is readily available. Actually better than holding one while cycling.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@25years in Japan I've seen people using the umbrella holder you referred to. That looks good for light rain on a not so windy day. But here's the thing. I currently use a raincoat which is hooked up to the handlebar and front basket. This protects my legs and feet from rain as well. Wouldn't This holder become an obstacle when you want to wear that type of raincoat with its upward projection? If I have to remove the thing each time I use my raincoat, it would be too much of a hassle. If not I want to use it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I think stop signs are invisible to the Japanese mind.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The junction down the road from me is a hotbed of accidents! Not many foreigners get the chance to help a Japanese from a crashed car but for me that is a more than average possibility.The police control and set traffic light operation here so can aid safety. There are times when it seems they may choose not to.....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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