Last year, the number of deaths by traffic accidents finally fell below 9,000 after 20 years of larger numbers. This was the result of our constant attempts to 1) prevent accidents by improving road shape, constructing sidewalk, taking emergency measures at accident black spots, etc., and 2) reduce the injuries in accidents by obliging air bags to be installed and seat belts to be worn. The number of accidents, however, has steadily increased for the past 24 years, and more emergency measures should be taken.
Transition of total casualties, injured and fatalities in accident cases
Reference: White Paper on Traffic Safety in Japan, 2002 version
Increasing number of accidents
