make prompt arrests of suspects by effectively employing traffic identification devices such as computer search systems for traces of evidence $ ^{1} $ . In 2009, the clearance rate for fatal hit-and-run accidents was 93.0%.

Diagram 3-24 Trends in the Number of Offenses where Dangerous Driving Resulting in Death and Injuries Apply (2002-2009)

Diagram 3-25 Situation of Clearance of Cases of Charges of Dangerous Driving Resulting in Death or Injuries (2009)

Note 1: A system which filters and identifies the model and other information of a vehicle from pieces of a lens or from tire marks left behind at the scene of the hit-and-run.

## (3) Scientific and Rational Traffic Accident Investigations

Taking up the opinions of citizens seeking precise, scientific investigations of traffic accidents, the police are offering specialized education on the appraisal of traffic accidents that make use of crash experiment accident analysis in order to cultivate traffic investigators with sophisticated knowledge and skills.

Additionally in order to mitigate the burden of the involved parties and the early dissolution of traffic buildup by fast-tracking the handling of accidents, a support system for each investigation, such as equipment that automatically records traffic accidents $ ^{1} $ , as well as a system which leaves out on-scene inspections of certain minor accidents, are being utilized.

### (4) Promotion of Assistance Considering the Feelings of Traffic Accident Victims (Refer to P.177)

The police have been making continuous effort to ensure that appropriate victim support is carried out for victims and their bereaved families (herein after referred to as “victims”) under the “Basic Plan for the Victims of Crimes” formulated in December 2005. In addition to carrying out investigations while placing consideration to their requests and sentiments, the police inform the victims of hit-and-run cases and cases equivalent to dangerous driving resulting in death and injuries, fatal traffic accidents, or cases in which it takes three months or more after accidents for the recovery of such information as the outline of the accident, the progress of investigation, and the status of arrests of suspects in line with the “Guidelines for Contact with Victims” from early stages of investigation.

Several other efforts include the creation and distribution of different types of the “Booklet for Victims” in which detailed explanation was added on the operating procedure for liaison to the victims, criminal procedures and compensation systems to victims, differing in contents by characteristics of the accidents and needs, and “Leaflets to be handed out at accident sites” which introduces various consultation offices.

Moreover, since April 2008, other than assigning Traffic Accident Investigation Instructors in Traffic Investigation Divisions at Tokyo Metropolitan Police Headquarters and Prefectural Police Headquarters, as well as securing systematic and unified liaison measures with the victims, education and training to those traffic accident investigators are being strengthened so as to assert adequate responses by considering the feelings of the victims.

Note 1: A device which reacts to collision sounds and slip sounds of traffic accidents, and records the situation of the moment before and after the accident

2: In order to assure the positive implementation of reporting of the investigation situation to the victims of hit-and-run and other cases, it was enacted in 1996 and has set the incidents to be covered and the contents of reporting.