FY 2023

IATSS Research Project Reporting andAward Ceremony Program
Date
Ve n u e

12th April, 2024(Fri) 13:00 ～ 18:00

Event Format

Hybrid (on-site + remote delivery)

Keidanren hall, Keidanrenkaikan 2nd floor
FY 2023 IATSS Research Project Reporting Program

13:00

Opening Remarks

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS

13:05

Report Theme① [2303A]
Feasibility Study of Drivers Yielding Behavior to the Pedestrians at Unsignalized Crossing

Satoru Kobayakawa

13:50

Report Theme② [2304C]
A cross-cultural study on health-related traffic accidents in Asian countries

14:35[Break] 15min

14:50

Report Theme③ [2306B]
Research on Efficient Accident Prevention Measures Using Artificial Intelligence

15:35

Report Theme④ [2321A]
Education activities for solving transportation problems in High Schools in middle Mountainous Areas

16:20

Concluding remarks

Masaya Takahashi

Akinori Morimoto
Yuto Kitamura
Tomohiro Ichinose
Chairperson,
Investigatory Research
Department,
Planning Committee

FY 2023
IATSS Research Project Reporting andAward Ceremony

The 45th (FY 2023) IATSS Award Ceremony Program
16:40

Introduction of distinguished guests

16:45

Opening Remarks

16:48

Selection Progress Report

16:55

Presentation of Awards

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS
Kazuhisa Ogawa
Chairperson, Awards and Grants Department,planning committee

Achievement Award：Dialogue with Residents Fosters a New Form of Public Transportation- Haga-Utsunomiya LRT will bring about the future of people and the city Literature Award：Walkable City in France: Designing a City That Makes You Want to Walk
Paper Award：Evaluation of risk factors for road accidents under mixed traffic:
Case study on Indian highways（Research 46-4）

17:07

Congratulatory address

Utsunomiya City
Haga Town
Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.
Vincent Fujii Yumi
Sujata Basu
Pritam Saha

Yoshinobu Kusunoki
Director General of the National Police Agency
Kanji Takizawa
Deputy Director-Generalfor Policies on Cohesive Society, Cabinet Office

17:17

Acknowledgments

Vincent Fujii Yumi
Sujata Basu
Pritam Saha

17:26

17:36

Dialogue with Residents Fosters a New Form of Public Transportation- Haga-Utsunomiya LRT will bring about the future of people and the city -Utsunomiya City
Haga Town
Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.

Closing Remarks

Nobuyuki Kawai
Executive Director, IATSS※Program contents are subject to change.

Registration
https://iatss-en.hp.peraichi.com/[For inquiries, please contact to]International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences
Supported by : strarts,inc
E-mail research_award2023@iatss.or.jp

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS
President, The Institute for Global
Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Tomohiro Ichinose

IATSS member
Chair, Planning Committee,
Investigatory Research Department
Dean, Professor, Faculty of Environment andInformation Studies, Keio University

As the warmth of spring arrives, I extend my heartfelt greetings toevery one of you, wishing for your continued prosperity. I would also
like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional understanding
and support that you have consistently provided to our association's
activities.

In this season of early spring, I extend warm greetings to each of you,wishing you continued well-being and joy. I also express my sincere
gratitude for the understanding and support you have consistently
bestowed upon the research and investigation activities of theInternational Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS).

The Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day
resulted in significant damage and numerous casualties. I offer mydeepest condolences to those who lost their lives, and I sincerely pray
for the swift recovery of the affected areas.

Research and investigation activities stand as a cornerstone of ourassociation, the IATSS. Members and special researchers from diverse
fields such as traffic engineering, urban engineering, economics,
education, law, public administration, psychology, information systems,
mechanical engineering, environment and energy, medicine, regionaland societal studies, culture, and the arts, contribute to a membershipthat truly reflects a rich variety of expertise.

High-quality transportation and its culture contribute to thedevelopment of industry and social activities, support the convenienceand affluence of daily life, and play an important role in the rapidly
advancing information society. In particular, the development of
automobile transportation has brought about a qualitative andquantitative expansion of public and private mobility.
At the same time, however, we face serious issues such as traffic
accidents, energy and resource consumption. Moreover, societal
problems like aging of society, urban and rural decline, coupled withthe urgent challenge of decarbonization to combat global warming,
have become increasingly prominent. In the automotive industry, a
once-in-a-century transition is said to be approaching, with the rise of
E-Mobility challenging existing forms of mobility. The development of asustainable and excellent mobility society requires further granddesigns, research and investigation for practical problem-solving, andongoing educational support.
The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences has been
conducting research activities with the belief that it is an important
responsibility to approach these matters from an interdisciplinary andinternational perspective. We sincerely request the continued support
and cooperation of all stakeholders.
This year, we are once again hosting our Research Project reporting
and award ceremony. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated.

The research projects, led by our members, involve multi-year
investigations and studies related to transportation and safety, resulting
in comprehensive reports. Our approach to research emphasizes"interdisciplinarity" and "internationality," while the outputs prioritize"practicality" and "foresight" that directly contribute to achieving ourgoals. Based on these four principles, our research projects aim toaddress a wide range of themes in pursuit of an ideal transportationsociety.
This year, we undertook a record-breaking 16 research projects
covering various themes. During this presentation, we will report on theoutcomes of four selected research projects.
While this presentation continues in the established hybrid format in
the era of "With Corona," I encourage you to attend in person for lively
discussions and interactions on this occasion.
Following the research presentation, we have planned an award
ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions, exceptional works,
and outstanding papers that have made significant contributions totraffic and safety. We sincerely look forward to seeing you at theconference.

FY2023 IATSS
Research Project Reporting
2303A Project

2306B Project

Feasibility Study of Drivers Yielding Behavior to the Pedestrians at
Unsignalized Crossing

Research on Efficient Accident Prevention Measures Using Artificial
Intelligence《Background and Objectives》

The maintenance of traffic signals has been cited as an issue for sustainable traffic
management, and the operation of pedestrian crossings without traffic signals may increase. On
the other hand, the low rate of stopping at unsignalized pedestrian crossings has also been
pointed out, and there is a need for countermeasures to address this issue. Overseas, efforts
have been made to enhance pedestrian.
crossing convenience by implementing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) that utilize
flashing lights to alert drivers at crosswalk facilities. Therefore, this study examines thefeasibility of introducing RRFBs at unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks in Japan, based on areview of how unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks are installed overseas and the measurestaken to encourage vehicles to stop temporarily.

《Background and Objectives》

On-site surveys and hearingsin North America《Summary》《Summary》

２）A Survey of Pedestrian Crossing Behavior at Unsignalized Crosswalks in JapanThe average yielding rate based on a three-day/ten-hour traffic observation was 40.9%.
Yielding rates were found to be higher for vehicles traveling in the lane closer to thepedestrian crossing position.
● Pedestrians tend to check whether vehicles are 'stopping' or 'proceeding' before initiating
crossing.
Future Development● To analyze the impact of pedestrians' indication of their intention to cross on the yield rate
(stoppage rates), a pre-and-post study through a societal experiment with Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons (RRFB) is required.
●

Survey of Traffic Conditions
at Unsignalized Intersections in Japan

Education activities for solving transportation problems
in High Schools in middle Mountainous Areas

A cross-cultural study on health-related traffic accidents in Asian countries《Background and Objectives》《Background and Objectives》

Driving Scroll with
Sleep Apnea Syndrome《Summary》

The results of post-viewing surveys for the videos 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' and'Glaucoma Driving Scroll' conducted in Japan, China, and Thailand are as follows: In Japan,
393 respondents for 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' and 815 for 'Glaucoma Driving Scroll.' In
China, 99 respondents for each video. In Thailand, 98 respondents for each video.
● It was thought that there could potentially be more patients with sleep apnea and glaucoma
in China and Thailand than in Japan.
●
The awareness-raising video was highly rated in China and Thailand, and is a useful tool for
preventing health-related accidents. It is hoped that this video will further promote awarenessof the prevention of health-related accidents.

Osaka Prefectural Toyonaka High School, Nose Branch is located in a middle mountainous areaand faces "commuting issues" such as limited access to public transportation. Therefore, in
FY2021 and FY2022, we implemented a project in collaboration with local governments andorganizations to provide high school students with a new means of transportation,
the electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike), with the aim of improving their problem-solving
skills by supporting their learning about transportation and developing solutions to local issues.
Specifically, we have recorded image data of students‘ riding behavior, analyzed what kind ofrisky behavior they were engaging in, and conducted traffic safety education based on the
results of this analysis.
This year's social contribution project was designed to encourage high school students to think
about traffic safety education on their own, based on the results of previous surveys andresearch.

《Summary》■ National Campaign for Preventing Health-Related Accidents● The YouTube video view counts were as follows: 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' with 6,039
views, 'Glaucoma Driving Scroll' with 4,681 views, 'Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Traffic
Accidents' with 3,245 views, and 'Glaucoma and Traffic Accidents' with 41,349 views.
■ Post-viewing questionnaire for educational videos in Japan, China, and Thailand andits comparison■ Trial Operation and Effectiveness Verification of the Traffic Guidance and Enforcement Activity
Support System● The 'Traffic Guidance and Enforcement Activity Support System' combines the 'Accident
Risk Prediction Model' and the 'Enforcement Effectiveness Evaluation Model,' visualizing the
calculated results in a sequence to assist in determining enforcement locations.
●With the cooperation of the Shinjuku Police Station, the prototype system built last year wasRate of enforcement
operated on a trial basis for one month to verify the effectiveness of its introduction.
activities conducted● Enforcement activities were conducted at 10 of the 12 locations proposed by the system. On
at proposed system locations
the other hand, Enforcement activities were conducted at the discretion of police officers atfour locations not proposed by the system.
● Analyze the changes in the situation of accidents and near-misses during the trial operation period of the system.
■ Improvement of basic model for practical use● To address the lack of convergence of calculations by the AI, the model was improved by revising the compensation, hyperparameters,
and measures.

2321A Project

2304C Project

In recent years, it has been reported that the health condition of drivers is a major risk factor for
traffic accidents, and the prevention of health-related accidents is recognized as an important
issue for traffic accident prevention in Japan. However, measures to prevent health-related
accidents, especially in the Asian region, have not yet been fully implemented.
In this project, we aimed to conduct post-viewing surveys on the awareness video created aspart of the FY2020 social contribution project to verify its outreach effectiveness. In FY2023, we
disseminated and raised awareness of each video in Japan, as well as conducted aquestionnaire survey in Japan, China, and Thailand after viewing the educational videos to makeinternational comparisons.

Trial operation of the Traffic Guidanceand Enforcement Activity
Support System

Given this background, the objective of this project is to leverage rapidly advancing artificial
intelligence (AI) and develop effective models to propose accident deterrence countermeasurelocations.

１）Survey of RRFB traffic in North America● In North America, the introduction of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) beganaround 2007, and by 2023, it was formally codified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD).
● The decision for implementation is based on the traffic volume of vehicles and pedestrians.

●

The 11th Traffic Safety Basic Plan places priority on promoting traffic guidance and control that
contributes to the deterrence of traffic accidents by improving traffic accident analysis based on
geographical information and other factors. In addition, with the creation of the Digital Agency in
2021, there is an urgent need to proactively promote the digitization of government
administration, and standardization and other measures are needed in the field of traffic safety
as well.
Since 2014, the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences has published the"Traffic Enforcement Handbook" to provide ongoing information to those involved in traffic
enforcement. There is a demand for greater efficiency using big data from the field oftransportation administration.

Driving Scroll with Glaucoma●

Explore our collection ofawareness videos in the‘Video Archive’ section at
the IATSS website.
https://www.iatss.or.jp/movie/

Explaining the handling of
measuring instruments

This year, high school students developed a traffic safety education program based on theirknowledge and experience, and implemented it for junior high school students. Specifically,lectures were given at local junior high schools on safe bicycle riding, using educational
materials developed by the high school students themselves.
In addition, high school students led workshops with road administrators, police, local
residents, and road users to discuss feasible measures to achieve a safe and secure roadenvironment. The workshop was attended by 19 students, 3 high school teachers, 3 from thetown of Nose (Road Section and Community Traffic Department), 4 from Osaka Prefecture (roadTraffic safety education forjunior high school students
administrator), 1 police officer, and 1 ward mayor (representative of residents). Based on thediscussion here, we were able to achieve a concrete result: reflective line-of-sight guide tacks
were later installed by the Ikeda Engineering Office of Osaka to alert people to the ditch on theshoulder of the road.
In addition, we conducted a study on behavioral changes related to safe bicycle use among high school students, utilizing naturalistic data.
Through this research, we observed an increase in helmet usage and positive changes in riding behavior for hazard avoidance.

FY2023 IATSS
Research Project Reporting
2303A Project

2306B Project

Feasibility Study of Drivers Yielding Behavior to the Pedestrians at
Unsignalized Crossing

Research on Efficient Accident Prevention Measures Using Artificial
Intelligence《Background and Objectives》

The maintenance of traffic signals has been cited as an issue for sustainable traffic
management, and the operation of pedestrian crossings without traffic signals may increase. On
the other hand, the low rate of stopping at unsignalized pedestrian crossings has also been
pointed out, and there is a need for countermeasures to address this issue. Overseas, efforts
have been made to enhance pedestrian.
crossing convenience by implementing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) that utilize
flashing lights to alert drivers at crosswalk facilities. Therefore, this study examines thefeasibility of introducing RRFBs at unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks in Japan, based on areview of how unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks are installed overseas and the measurestaken to encourage vehicles to stop temporarily.

《Background and Objectives》

On-site surveys and hearingsin North America《Summary》《Summary》

２）A Survey of Pedestrian Crossing Behavior at Unsignalized Crosswalks in JapanThe average yielding rate based on a three-day/ten-hour traffic observation was 40.9%.
Yielding rates were found to be higher for vehicles traveling in the lane closer to thepedestrian crossing position.
● Pedestrians tend to check whether vehicles are 'stopping' or 'proceeding' before initiating
crossing.
Future Development● To analyze the impact of pedestrians' indication of their intention to cross on the yield rate
(stoppage rates), a pre-and-post study through a societal experiment with Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons (RRFB) is required.
●

Survey of Traffic Conditions
at Unsignalized Intersections in Japan

Education activities for solving transportation problems
in High Schools in middle Mountainous Areas

A cross-cultural study on health-related traffic accidents in Asian countries《Background and Objectives》《Background and Objectives》

Driving Scroll with
Sleep Apnea Syndrome《Summary》

The results of post-viewing surveys for the videos 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' and'Glaucoma Driving Scroll' conducted in Japan, China, and Thailand are as follows: In Japan,
393 respondents for 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' and 815 for 'Glaucoma Driving Scroll.' In
China, 99 respondents for each video. In Thailand, 98 respondents for each video.
● It was thought that there could potentially be more patients with sleep apnea and glaucoma
in China and Thailand than in Japan.
●
The awareness-raising video was highly rated in China and Thailand, and is a useful tool for
preventing health-related accidents. It is hoped that this video will further promote awarenessof the prevention of health-related accidents.

Osaka Prefectural Toyonaka High School, Nose Branch is located in a middle mountainous areaand faces "commuting issues" such as limited access to public transportation. Therefore, in
FY2021 and FY2022, we implemented a project in collaboration with local governments andorganizations to provide high school students with a new means of transportation,
the electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike), with the aim of improving their problem-solving
skills by supporting their learning about transportation and developing solutions to local issues.
Specifically, we have recorded image data of students‘ riding behavior, analyzed what kind ofrisky behavior they were engaging in, and conducted traffic safety education based on the
results of this analysis.
This year's social contribution project was designed to encourage high school students to think
about traffic safety education on their own, based on the results of previous surveys andresearch.

《Summary》■ National Campaign for Preventing Health-Related Accidents● The YouTube video view counts were as follows: 'Sleep Apnea Driving Scroll' with 6,039
views, 'Glaucoma Driving Scroll' with 4,681 views, 'Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Traffic
Accidents' with 3,245 views, and 'Glaucoma and Traffic Accidents' with 41,349 views.
■ Post-viewing questionnaire for educational videos in Japan, China, and Thailand andits comparison■ Trial Operation and Effectiveness Verification of the Traffic Guidance and Enforcement Activity
Support System● The 'Traffic Guidance and Enforcement Activity Support System' combines the 'Accident
Risk Prediction Model' and the 'Enforcement Effectiveness Evaluation Model,' visualizing the
calculated results in a sequence to assist in determining enforcement locations.
●With the cooperation of the Shinjuku Police Station, the prototype system built last year wasRate of enforcement
operated on a trial basis for one month to verify the effectiveness of its introduction.
activities conducted● Enforcement activities were conducted at 10 of the 12 locations proposed by the system. On
at proposed system locations
the other hand, Enforcement activities were conducted at the discretion of police officers atfour locations not proposed by the system.
● Analyze the changes in the situation of accidents and near-misses during the trial operation period of the system.
■ Improvement of basic model for practical use● To address the lack of convergence of calculations by the AI, the model was improved by revising the compensation, hyperparameters,
and measures.

2321A Project

2304C Project

In recent years, it has been reported that the health condition of drivers is a major risk factor for
traffic accidents, and the prevention of health-related accidents is recognized as an important
issue for traffic accident prevention in Japan. However, measures to prevent health-related
accidents, especially in the Asian region, have not yet been fully implemented.
In this project, we aimed to conduct post-viewing surveys on the awareness video created aspart of the FY2020 social contribution project to verify its outreach effectiveness. In FY2023, we
disseminated and raised awareness of each video in Japan, as well as conducted aquestionnaire survey in Japan, China, and Thailand after viewing the educational videos to makeinternational comparisons.

Trial operation of the Traffic Guidanceand Enforcement Activity
Support System

Given this background, the objective of this project is to leverage rapidly advancing artificial
intelligence (AI) and develop effective models to propose accident deterrence countermeasurelocations.

１）Survey of RRFB traffic in North America● In North America, the introduction of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) beganaround 2007, and by 2023, it was formally codified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD).
● The decision for implementation is based on the traffic volume of vehicles and pedestrians.

●

The 11th Traffic Safety Basic Plan places priority on promoting traffic guidance and control that
contributes to the deterrence of traffic accidents by improving traffic accident analysis based on
geographical information and other factors. In addition, with the creation of the Digital Agency in
2021, there is an urgent need to proactively promote the digitization of government
administration, and standardization and other measures are needed in the field of traffic safety
as well.
Since 2014, the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences has published the"Traffic Enforcement Handbook" to provide ongoing information to those involved in traffic
enforcement. There is a demand for greater efficiency using big data from the field oftransportation administration.

Driving Scroll with Glaucoma●

Explore our collection ofawareness videos in the‘Video Archive’ section at
the IATSS website.
https://www.iatss.or.jp/movie/

Explaining the handling of
measuring instruments

This year, high school students developed a traffic safety education program based on theirknowledge and experience, and implemented it for junior high school students. Specifically,lectures were given at local junior high schools on safe bicycle riding, using educational
materials developed by the high school students themselves.
In addition, high school students led workshops with road administrators, police, local
residents, and road users to discuss feasible measures to achieve a safe and secure roadenvironment. The workshop was attended by 19 students, 3 high school teachers, 3 from thetown of Nose (Road Section and Community Traffic Department), 4 from Osaka Prefecture (roadTraffic safety education forjunior high school students
administrator), 1 police officer, and 1 ward mayor (representative of residents). Based on thediscussion here, we were able to achieve a concrete result: reflective line-of-sight guide tacks
were later installed by the Ikeda Engineering Office of Osaka to alert people to the ditch on theshoulder of the road.
In addition, we conducted a study on behavioral changes related to safe bicycle use among high school students, utilizing naturalistic data.
Through this research, we observed an increase in helmet usage and positive changes in riding behavior for hazard avoidance.

FY 2023

IATSS Research Project Reporting andAward Ceremony Program
Date
Ve n u e

12th April, 2024(Fri) 13:00 ～ 18:00

Event Format

Hybrid (on-site + remote delivery)

Keidanren hall, Keidanrenkaikan 2nd floor
FY 2023 IATSS Research Project Reporting Program

13:00

Opening Remarks

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS

13:05

Report Theme① [2303A]
Feasibility Study of Drivers Yielding Behavior to the Pedestrians at Unsignalized Crossing

Satoru Kobayakawa

13:50

Report Theme② [2304C]
A cross-cultural study on health-related traffic accidents in Asian countries

14:35[Break] 15min

14:50

Report Theme③ [2306B]
Research on Efficient Accident Prevention Measures Using Artificial Intelligence

15:35

Report Theme④ [2321A]
Education activities for solving transportation problems in High Schools in middle Mountainous Areas

16:20

Concluding remarks

Masaya Takahashi

Akinori Morimoto
Yuto Kitamura
Tomohiro Ichinose
Chairperson,
Investigatory Research
Department,
Planning Committee

FY 2023
IATSS Research Project Reporting andAward Ceremony

The 45th (FY 2023) IATSS Award Ceremony Program
16:40

Introduction of distinguished guests

16:45

Opening Remarks

16:48

Selection Progress Report

16:55

Presentation of Awards

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS
Kazuhisa Ogawa
Chairperson, Awards and Grants Department,planning committee

Achievement Award：Dialogue with Residents Fosters a New Form of Public Transportation- Haga-Utsunomiya LRT will bring about the future of people and the city Literature Award：Walkable City in France: Designing a City That Makes You Want to Walk
Paper Award：Evaluation of risk factors for road accidents under mixed traffic:
Case study on Indian highways（Research 46-4）

17:07

Congratulatory address

Utsunomiya City
Haga Town
Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.
Vincent Fujii Yumi
Sujata Basu
Pritam Saha

Yoshinobu Kusunoki
Director General of the National Police Agency
Kanji Takizawa
Deputy Director-Generalfor Policies on Cohesive Society, Cabinet Office

17:17

Acknowledgments

Vincent Fujii Yumi
Sujata Basu
Pritam Saha

17:26

17:36

Dialogue with Residents Fosters a New Form of Public Transportation- Haga-Utsunomiya LRT will bring about the future of people and the city -Utsunomiya City
Haga Town
Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.

Closing Remarks

Nobuyuki Kawai
Executive Director, IATSS※Program contents are subject to change.

Registration
https://iatss-en.hp.peraichi.com/[For inquiries, please contact to]International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences
Supported by : strarts,inc
E-mail research_award2023@iatss.or.jp

Kazuhiko Takeuchi
President, IATSS
President, The Institute for Global
Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Tomohiro Ichinose

IATSS member
Chair, Planning Committee,
Investigatory Research Department
Dean, Professor, Faculty of Environment andInformation Studies, Keio University

As the warmth of spring arrives, I extend my heartfelt greetings toevery one of you, wishing for your continued prosperity. I would also
like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional understanding
and support that you have consistently provided to our association's
activities.

In this season of early spring, I extend warm greetings to each of you,wishing you continued well-being and joy. I also express my sincere
gratitude for the understanding and support you have consistently
bestowed upon the research and investigation activities of theInternational Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS).

The Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day
resulted in significant damage and numerous casualties. I offer mydeepest condolences to those who lost their lives, and I sincerely pray
for the swift recovery of the affected areas.

Research and investigation activities stand as a cornerstone of ourassociation, the IATSS. Members and special researchers from diverse
fields such as traffic engineering, urban engineering, economics,
education, law, public administration, psychology, information systems,
mechanical engineering, environment and energy, medicine, regionaland societal studies, culture, and the arts, contribute to a membershipthat truly reflects a rich variety of expertise.

High-quality transportation and its culture contribute to thedevelopment of industry and social activities, support the convenienceand affluence of daily life, and play an important role in the rapidly
advancing information society. In particular, the development of
automobile transportation has brought about a qualitative andquantitative expansion of public and private mobility.
At the same time, however, we face serious issues such as traffic
accidents, energy and resource consumption. Moreover, societal
problems like aging of society, urban and rural decline, coupled withthe urgent challenge of decarbonization to combat global warming,
have become increasingly prominent. In the automotive industry, a
once-in-a-century transition is said to be approaching, with the rise of
E-Mobility challenging existing forms of mobility. The development of asustainable and excellent mobility society requires further granddesigns, research and investigation for practical problem-solving, andongoing educational support.
The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences has been
conducting research activities with the belief that it is an important
responsibility to approach these matters from an interdisciplinary andinternational perspective. We sincerely request the continued support
and cooperation of all stakeholders.
This year, we are once again hosting our Research Project reporting
and award ceremony. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated.

The research projects, led by our members, involve multi-year
investigations and studies related to transportation and safety, resulting
in comprehensive reports. Our approach to research emphasizes"interdisciplinarity" and "internationality," while the outputs prioritize"practicality" and "foresight" that directly contribute to achieving ourgoals. Based on these four principles, our research projects aim toaddress a wide range of themes in pursuit of an ideal transportationsociety.
This year, we undertook a record-breaking 16 research projects
covering various themes. During this presentation, we will report on theoutcomes of four selected research projects.
While this presentation continues in the established hybrid format in
the era of "With Corona," I encourage you to attend in person for lively
discussions and interactions on this occasion.
Following the research presentation, we have planned an award
ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions, exceptional works,
and outstanding papers that have made significant contributions totraffic and safety. We sincerely look forward to seeing you at theconference.