# Aiming to reduce the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents by half

5,155 people died in traffic accidents in 2008, less than one third of the worst-ever recorded fatalities in 1970 of 16,765 persons while also casualties fell to below 1,000,000 for the first time in 10 years, the target of the Eighth Fundamental Traffic Safety Program being having been achieved two years faster.

However, it would still appear to be quite serious in so many people have still died in traffic accidents.

On January 2, 2009 the “Comments made by the prime minister (chairman of the Central Traffic Safety Measures Council) concerning the number of fatalities in traffic accidents being reduced to below the target of the Eighth Fundamental Traffic Safety Program” was published and the aim clarified of reducing the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents by half in realize the safest road traffic in the world by about ten years from now. The government has set the target of decreasing the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents to less than 2,500 by about 2018, according to the comments made, and has been promoting traffic accident prevention measures. Some special features will be presented here on the main factors in the decrease in number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents in recent years and the present approach to reducing the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents by half etc.

1. Comments made by prime minister (chairman of the Central Traffic Safety Measures Council) concerning the number of fatalities in traffic accidents being reduced to below the target of the Eighth Fundamental Traffic Safety Program.

January 2, 2009

5,155 people died in traffic accidents in 2008, but with the target of the Eighth Fundamental Traffic Safety Program of the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents being reduced to below 5,500 by 2010 being achieved two years faster.

The decrease in number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents over recent years was the result of efforts made by the government, local governments, associated private bodies, and regionally, and included the approach of improving the ratio of people wearing seat belts and the eradication of drunk driving etc. I wish to express my gratitude to everyone that endeavored to prevent traffic accidents from occurring during that period.

Moreover, the government has declared a target of the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents needing to be reduced by half, i.e. to below 5,000, in ten years starting in 2003. Its realization is near at hand.

However, it would still appear serious that so many people have still died in traffic accidents. A new year has arrived and I determined to further reduce the number of fatalities originating in traffic accidents by half in about ten years from now.

This target will be difficult to realize, but we are aiming at realizing the safest road traffic in the world through the concentrated efforts of the government, associated private bodies, and the nation.

For that purpose, and after considering the growing aging population, the government has decided to tackle measures for elderly persons in particular.

The government will also put a great deal of effort into the eradication of drunk driving, the promotion of traffic safety education, and the maintenance of a safe and smooth road traffic environment.

I sincerely beg the understanding and support of the nation.

Chairman of the Central Traffic Safety Measures Council

Prime minister Taro Aso