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The number of road traffic accidents has been declining since 1971: the number of deaths fell below the 10,000 mark for the first time in eighteen years (Table 3-2-1). Railroad traffic accidents also decreased in both the number of accidents and deaths. Accordingly, land traffic accidents have generally shown a trend of decrease. Maritime accidents, on the other hand, increased slightly in 1976 over the previous year. Aviation accidents which occurred within Japan increased in number of accidents and casualties over the previous year, but there was no so-called grave accident.
In March, 1976, the second-phase traffic safety basic program was worked out in order to promote the strengthening of traffic safety measures. The Ministry of Transport has been engaged in working out an annual traffic safety operation program to carry out various kinds of measures based on the program. Measures to prevent road accidents have been taken so as to preserve safety in view of the structure of motor vehicles, operation control of transport by motor vehicles and streamlining in traffic control. Improvements in railroad traffic environments in such points as availability of automated signals, education and training of workers including crew, and implementation of work designed to reinforce the structure of the Shinkansen by use of heavy rails are some of the plans which are now in progress. In addition to these, measures for preventing train fires and for safety of railroad crossing are also being promoted. In sea traffic, the main emphasis has been placed on improvement of maritime traffic environment based on the 5th Bay, and Harbor Preparation, Five-Year Plan, on rationalization of the navigational control system by increasing the number of navigation surveillance and control personnel, education of seamen, improved safety standards for vessels, improved structure for vessel inspection and reinforcement in structure of sea rescue. For aviation traffic, the guideline of safety measures has laid stress on promotion of the preparation of airports and other related aviation safety maintenance facilities based on the 3rd Airport Preparation Five-year Plan and on modernization of aviation traffic control operation typified by preparation of the aviation passage control information processing system.
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