On February 7, a traffic safety class was held for the first time in Nagasaki Prefecture for 125 sixth graders at Sasebo Municipal Ainouranishi Elementary School in cooperation with the Nagasaki Prefecture Ainoura Police Station. Since many students at the school will commute to junior high school by bicycle in the new school year, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction, etc., using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator, in response to a request from the school and the Ainoura Police Station to enhance the students’ traffic safety awareness when riding bicycles. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I want to follow traffic rules and manners for bicycles and enjoy my junior high school life without traffic accidents.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On January 11, a traffic safety class was held for 85 first to fourth graders at Kanazawa Elementary School After-School Kids Club (Kanagawa Prefecture), which is located near a main road with heavy traffic. In order to prevent traffic accidents on the way to and from school and raise children’s traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior, etc., at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around trucks.”

Turning radius difference

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On December 15, a traffic safety class was held for the first time in Oita Prefecture for all 334 students at Oita Municipal Shikido Elementary School (Oita Prefecture) in cooperation with the Oita Prefecture Oita Minami Police Station. In response to a request from the Oita Minami Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents involving students on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness by learning about the characteristics and dangers of vehicles, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior, etc., at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned that intersections are dangerous for many reasons, so I will always stand back a step to wait at traffic lights.”.

Braking distance

Turning radius difference

Blind spot experience

On November 30, a traffic safety class was held for 34 third-year students at Okayama Prefectural Okayama Seto High School for Special Needs Education (Okayama Prefecture), which faces a main road with heavy traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks, using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to the prevention of traffic accidents, saying “I learned there are many blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, so I want to make sure about safety when passing through intersections.”

Blind spot experience

Presentation using a dashcam

Bicycle simulator

On November 29, a traffic safety class was held for 110 first-year students at Okayama Prefectural Oku Senior High School (Okayama Prefecture). In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to the prevention of traffic accidents, saying “At intersections with poor visibility, I will make sure to stop before passing through intersections.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On November 25, a traffic safety class was held for all 467 students at Okayama Prefectural Kasaoka Senior High School (Okayama Prefecture) in cooperation with the Okayama Prefecture Kasaoka Police Station. Many students at the school commute by bicycle. In response to a request from the school and the Kasaoka Police Station for enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness when riding bicycles, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to the prevention of traffic accidents, saying “I would like to follow traffic rules and manners for bicycles and become a role model for the local community.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On November 16, a traffic safety class was held for 63 fourth graders at Sagamihara Municipal Namiki Elementary School (Kanagawa Prefecture), which is located near a main road with heavy traffic. In response to a request from the Sagamihara City Chuo Ward Office for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior, etc., at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around trucks.”

Turning radius difference

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On November 4, a traffic safety class was held for 156 first-year students at Okayama Municipal Takamatsu Junior High School (Okayama Prefecture), which faces a main road with heavy traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior, etc., at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned there are many blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, so I will be careful when passing through intersections.”

Overhangs

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On October 26, a traffic safety class was held for 136 third graders at Fukuyama Municipal Shingai Elementary School (Hiroshima Prefecture), which is located near a main road with heavy traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior, etc., at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned that intersections are dangerous for many reasons, so I will always stand back a step to wait at crosswalks.”

Overhangs

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On October 20, a traffic safety class was held for 159 first-year students at Fukuoka Prefectural Itoshima Agricultural High School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Itoshima Police Station. Since many students at the school commute by bicycle, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator in response to a request from the school for enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness when riding bicycles. The students provided positive comments that will lead to the prevention of traffic accidents, saying “I would like to protect my own life by always following traffic rules and manners for bicycles.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On October 12, 13, and 18, a traffic safety class was held for 88 third graders at Koto Municipal Etchujima Elementary School (Tokyo). In order to protect children from traffic accidents, it is necessary to develop their risk avoidance skills so that they can judge places where traffic accidents are likely to occur and take appropriate actions on their own. For that purpose, we held a hands-on learning class including the creation of a “community safety map” for the prevention of traffic accidents and hands-on experience about blind spots from a truck driver’s seat. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “There is a lot of traffic around the school, so I want to be especially careful at crosswalks without traffic lights.”

Creating a community safety map		Explanation about blind spots

On October 15, a traffic safety class was held for 84 first to third graders and their parents as participants at Fukuoka Municipal Teriha Elementary School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Higashi Police Station. There is an industrial park within the school district and the school faces a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the Higashi Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school, we held a hands-on learning class on safe behavior at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will always stand back a step to wait for a traffic light at an intersection,” and parents also provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I didn’t think that there were so many blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, so I will tell my children what I learned.”

Braking distance

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

On October 11, a traffic safety class was held for all 270 students at Bizen Municipal Bizen Junior High School (Okayama Prefecture). In response to a request from the school for enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness toward the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “Traffic accidents can happen to anyone including me, so I will make sure to follow the traffic rules and manners for bicycles.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On October 5, a traffic safety class was held for 76 third and fourth graders at Gotsu Municipal Takatsuno Elementary School (Shimane Prefecture) in cooperation with the Shimane Prefecture Gotsu Police Station. In order to help the students, who will have many opportunities to ride bicycles, understand the traffic rules and manners necessary for safe bicycle riding, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I learned that intersections are dangerous for many reasons, so I will make sure to follow the traffic rules.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On September 22, a traffic safety class was held for 36 fourth graders at Kitakyushu Municipal Ichieda Elementary School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Tobata Police Station. In response to a request from the Tobata Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness in association with the Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks including the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around or get close to trucks.”

Turning radius difference

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On September 17, a traffic safety class was held for 126 second to sixth graders at Ebetsu Municipal Izumino Elementary School (Hokkaido Prefecture), where the number of traffic accidents in the school district has been increasing. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks including the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned that intersections are dangerous places where cars come and go, I will be more careful when passing through intersections.”

Turning radius difference	Blind spot experience	Riding Experience

On September 13, a traffic safety class was held for the first time in Nagano Prefecture for all 168 students at Nagano Municipal Kawada Elementary School (Nagano Prefecture). In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness by learning about the characteristics and dangers of vehicles, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I will always stand back a step to wait for traffic lights at intersections.”

Braking distance

Blind spot experience

Riding Experience

On September 12, a traffic safety class was held for 380 second, fourth, and sixth graders at Gifu Municipal Yanaizu Elementary School (Gifu Prefecture), which is located near an industrial park and faces a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles on the way to and from school, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around trucks.”

Blind spot experience		Riding Experience

On July 14, a traffic safety class was held for 196 first-year students at Fukuoka Municipal Yokote Junior High School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Fukuoka Minami Police Station. In response to a request from the Fukuoka Minami Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness as part of the Fukuoka Prefecture’s Summer Traffic Safety Prefectural Campaign, we held a hands-on discussion-based learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I will always stop and make sure about safety before passing through intersections with poor visibility.”

Presentation using a dashcam

On July 14, a traffic safety class was held for all 295 students at Okayama Prefectural Wakeshizutani Senior High School (Okayama Prefecture). In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles during the summer vacation and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I will follow the traffic rules and manners for bicycles and set a good example for others in the community.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On July 13, a traffic safety class was held for 70 third and fourth graders at Kitakyushu Municipal Sayagatani Elementary School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Tobata Police Station. There is a main road with heavy vehicle traffic within the school district of Sayagatani Elementary School. In response to a request from the Tobata Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles during the summer vacation period, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “If I see a truck approaching me at a crosswalk, I will stand back a step to wait for traffic lights.”

Turning radius difference

Explanation about blind spots

Riding Experience

On July 5, a traffic safety class was held for 112 first and second graders at Kitanagoya Municipal Kurishima Elementary School (Aichi Prefecture). In order to help the children, who will have many opportunities to ride bicycles, understand traffic rules and manners necessary for safe bicycle riding, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “When I ride a bicycle, I will make sure to follow the traffic rules.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On July 1, a traffic safety class was held for all 330 students at Okayama Municipal Senoo Junior High School (Okayama Prefecture) in cooperation with Okayama City. There are main and local roads near the school. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents with vehicles on the way to and from school, we provided safety education for the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I will always stop and make sure to check for cars before passing through intersections with poor visibility.”

Explanation about blind spots

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

On June 22, a traffic safety class was held for all 47 students at Soeda Municipal Maki Elementary School (Fukuoka Prefecture) in cooperation with the Fukuoka Prefecture Tagawa Police Station. Maki Elementary School is located near a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents with vehicles on the way to and from school, we conducted awareness raising activities for the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks and risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “I will always stop and look both ways before passing through intersections.”

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

Bicycle simulator

A traffic safety class was held for 81 students at Yame Municipal Joyo Hokuzei Gakuen (Fukuoka Prefecture). Many students at the school commute by bicycle. In order to help them understand the traffic rules and manners necessary for safe bicycle riding, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments that will lead to enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, saying “When riding a bicycle, I will stop and check carefully before passing through intersections.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

On May 27, a traffic safety class was held for all 35 students at Kasaoka Municipal Imai Elementary School (Okayama Prefecture), which is located near a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles on the way to and from school, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments on their enhanced awareness about traffic safety, saying “I will always stand back a step to wait for traffic lights at intersections.”

Explanation about blind spots

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

On May 25, a traffic safety class was held for 63 first and second graders at Kumamoto Municipal Jonan Elementary School (Kumamoto Prefecture), which is located near an industrial park and a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including hands-on experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around trucks.”

Explanation about blind spots

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

A traffic safety class was held for all 39 students at Kanzaki Municipal Sefuri Elementary School. In response to a request from the Saga Prefectural Police Headquarters for the prevention of traffic accidents by helping children understand the traffic rules and manners they should follow when riding bicycles, we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction, etc., using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments, saying “When riding a bicycle, I will always stop and check safety before passing through intersections.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

A traffic safety class was held for all 815 students at Koga Municipal Koga Junior High School where many students commute by bicycle. In response to a request from the Kasuya Police Station for students’ understanding of traffic rules and manners necessary for safe bicycle riding and enhancement of their traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on the characteristics and dangers of vehicles using actual trucks and the prevention of traffic accidents when passing through intersections and pedestrian crosswalks on a bicycle. The students provided positive comments, saying “I would like to follow traffic rules and manners when riding bicycles and be careful not to cause traffic accidents.”

Blind spot experience

Overhangs

Riding Experience

A traffic safety class was held for all 700 students at Oki Gakuen Junior and Senior High School. The number of bicycle accidents involving high school students has been increasing in Fukuoka Prefecture. In response to a request from the Hakata Police Station for students’ understanding of the rules and the correct ways necessary for safe bicycle riding as well as the characteristics and dangers of vehicles and for enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks while explaining the turning radius difference and blind spots using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I would like to pay attention to the turning radius difference and blind spots, because there are main roads and a large plant near the school with heavy truck traffic.”

Turning radius difference

Overhangs

Blind spot experience

A traffic safety class was held for the first time in Shimane Prefecture for all 264 students at Hamada Municipal Daisan Junior High School. In response to a request from the Hamada Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents involving children as part of the Shimane Prefectural Police Headquarters’ “Campaign to Protect Children and the Elderly from Traffic Accidents,” we held a hands-on learning class on risk prediction using dashcam videos and a bicycle simulator. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will always slow down at intersections and check both sides of the road before passing through intersections.”

Presentation using a dashcam		Bicycle simulator

A traffic safety class was held for all 27 students at Bizen Municipal Mitsuishi Junior High School. In response to a request from the Bizen Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents involving children, we held a hands-on learning class on the characteristics and dangers of vehicles using actual trucks and the prevention of traffic accidents involving bicycles at intersections. The students provided positive comments, saying “I would like to pass through intersections paying close attention to the turning radius difference and truck blind spots .”

Turning radius difference

Accidents at intersections

Blind spot experience

On January 20, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for the first time in Saga Prefecture for 66 first and second graders at Kanzaki Municipal Chiyoda Seibu Elementary School in Saga Prefecture in cooperation with the Saga Prefectural Police Headquarters. In response to a request from the Saga Prefectural Police Headquarters for the prevention of traffic accidents involving children through their understanding of the importance of the traffic rules and fear of vehicles, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at pedestrian crosswalks, including experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks, such as blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will make sure to raise my hand when crossing crosswalks.”

Braking distance	Turning radius difference	Riding Experience

On November 30, a parent-child traffic safety class on trucks was held for all 51 students and their parents at Kibichuo Municipal Kamitakenosho Elementary School in Okayama Prefecture. The school routes of the elementary school face main roads with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the elementary school for the prevention of traffic accidents involving trucks, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience by parents and children on the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will make sure to stand back a step to wait at intersections,” and their parents provided positive comments, saying “I was reminded of the importance of traffic safety.”

Turning radius difference	Blind spot experience	Riding Experience

On November 30, a parent-child traffic safety class on trucks was held for all 51 students and their parents at Kibichuo Municipal Kamitakenosho Elementary School in Okayama Prefecture. The school routes of the elementary school face main roads with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the elementary school for the prevention of traffic accidents involving trucks, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience by parents and children on the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will make sure to stand back a step to wait at intersections,” and their parents provided positive comments, saying “I was reminded of the importance of traffic safety.”

Turning radius difference	Blind spot experience	Riding Experience

On November 26, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for all 37 students at Kasaoka Municipal Kounoshimasoto Junior High School in Okayama Prefecture. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness by learning about the characteristics and dangers of large trucks, we held a hands-on learning class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, so I want to avoid playing around trucks.”

Braking distance	Importance of eye contact	Blind spot experience

On November 15, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for 222 second and fourth graders at Gifu Municipal Yanaizu Elementary School in Gifu Prefecture. The school is located near an industrial park and faces a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the elementary school for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including experience about the characteristics and dangers of actual trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will always stand back a step to wait for a traffic light.”

Turning radius difference	Riding Experience

On October 26, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for 119 first-year students at Okayama Prefectural Oku Senior High School in Okayama Prefecture. Riding bicycles without following the rules and manners can lead to serious traffic accidents. In order to help them learn about the rules and use bicycles safely, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I would like to cross safely at intersections with the turning radius difference and truck blind spots in mind.”

Explanation about blind spots	Importance of eye contact	Riding Experience

On October 25, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for 330 third-year students at Okayama Municipal Ryuso Junior High School in Okayama Prefecture. The number of bicycle accidents has been increasing within the school district. In response to a request from the Okayama Prefecture Okayama Chuo Police Station for students’ understanding of the rules, manners and correct ways necessary for safe bicycle riding and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a discussion-based class on risk prediction using dashcam videos. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will stop once at intersections with poor visibility and take other action to protect my own life.”

Discussion-based class using a dashcam

On October 7, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for 83 first and second graders at Kurashiki Municipal Daigo Fukuda Elementary School in Okayama Prefecture. The school faces a main road with heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the Okayama Prefecture Mizushima Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, including experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I will not play around trucks.”

Explanation about blind spots	Turning radius difference	Riding Experience

On September 24, a traffic safety class on trucks was held for all 411 students at Okayama Prefectural SETO Senior High School. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the class was held connecting the classroom to the gymnasium via online. Many students at the school commute by bicycle. In response to a request from the school for students’ understanding of the rules, manners, and correct ways necessary for safe bicycle riding and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a discussion-based class on risk prediction using dashcam videos. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will always stop and then pass through intersections with poor visibility.”

Discussion-based class using a dashcam

A traffic safety class on trucks was held for 37 fifth and sixth graders at Kitahiroshima Municipal Geihoku Elementary School. There is a lot of traffic on main roads in Kitahiroshima Town. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents during the summer vacation and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a class where the students learned about the characteristics of trucks using actual trucks and the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through a truck riding experience. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, so I want to avoid playing around trucks.”

Turning radius difference	Explanation about blind spots	Riding Experience

A traffic safety class on trucks was held for all 104 students at Fukuoka Municipal Chiyo Junior High School. The school borders major main roads such as National Route 3. In response to a request from the Fukuoka Prefecture Hakata Police Station for the prevention of traffic accidents with large vehicles, etc., we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat, so I want to be careful on my way to school.”

Turning radius difference	Explanation about blind spots	Riding Experience

A traffic safety class on trucks was held for 95 first-year students at Fukuoka Municipal Sumiyoshi Junior High School for the first time in Fukuoka Prefecture. The number of bicycle accidents has been increasing within the school district. In response to a request from the school for students’ understanding of the rules, manners, and correct ways necessary for safe bicycle riding and enhancement of students’ traffic safety awareness, we held a discussion-based class on risk prediction using a dashcam videos. The students provided positive comments, saying “I want to be careful not to ride a bicycle while using a cell phone.”

Discussion-based class using a dashcam

A traffic safety class on trucks was held for 97 second graders at Yonago Municipal Kuzumo Elementary School for the first time in the San-in region. The school faces National Route 9, which has heavy truck traffic. In response to a request from the school for the prevention of traffic accidents on the way to and from school, we held a class on the prevention of traffic accidents at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks through experience about the characteristics and dangers of trucks using actual trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I learned there are many spots that cannot be seen from a truck driver’s seat,” and “It was scary that the traffic dummy was involved in an accident with the truck.”

Turning radius difference	Explanation about blind spots	Riding Experience

We provided third-year students who are prospective employees with an explanation about the characteristics of trucks, such as turning radius difference and blind spots, using actual trucks. During the presentation using dashcam videos, a discussion was held on points to note from the perspectives of trucks and bicycles respectively.

Turning radius difference	Blind spot experience	Presentation using a dashcam

In cooperation with National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and Fukuyama Higashi Police Station, a traffic accident caused by dangerous car driving was simulated through a demonstration by a stuntman.

	Demonstration of a traffic accident caused by car driving

A presentation on how to safely cross a pedestrian crosswalk was given, and the Traffic Safety Guidelines “Raise and Learn about the Heart of Safety” was explained and presented to the participating kindergarten children.

Presentation on how to cross a pedestrian crosswalk		Traffic Safety Guidelines

Since there is a lot of truck traffic on Route 2 and main roads in Kasaoka City, we explained to the students about truck blind spots , turning radius difference, and overhangs, and warnings and advice were given so that they will “not rush out” or “not play around trucks,” and they will always “stand back a step to wait at intersections.” The children who participated in the class provided positive comments, saying “I couldn’t see the spot directly below the front of the truck. I want to be careful not to play near trucks.”

Explanation about blind spots	Blind spot experience	Riding Experience

We explained about the turning radius difference and truck blind spots. We also explained to the children about how to safely ride a bicycle. The children who participated in the class provided positive comments, saying “I learned a lot of things I didn’t know, such as standing back a step when a truck is about to turn and not playing near trucks because there are places that cannot be seen, so I want to be more careful from now on.”

Truck blind spots	Dangers of cars	Riding Experience

Since there is a lot of truck traffic on the main road near the school, we explained about truck blind spots, turning radius difference, overhangs, and braking distance. In addition, participants experienced the respective characteristics of a police car, a 2-ton truck, a 4-ton truck, and a 6-ton truck.

Braking distance

Truck blind spots

Riding Experience

Since the school is located near an industrial park and along a road with heavy truck traffic, we explained in detail about the blind spots and turning radius difference of trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “Trucks are full of dangers, so I will be careful on my way to school.”

Turning radius difference	Truck blind spots and riding experience

Since most students commute to school by bicycle and many accidents occur on the way to school, we gave a presentation using a dashcam to convey the dangers of bicycles from the truck driver’s perspective.

Presentation using a dashcam

We explained about the dangers of bicycles by using a dashcam. We also had a discussion with the students about “what they should pay attention to” and “where they have to be careful to prevent accidents.”

Presentation for first-year students in the gymnasium while maintaining social distancing

Second- and third-year students watched the video in their classrooms

Discussion with students

We explained about truck blind spots, turning radius difference, braking distance and the dangers of riding a bicycle while using a smartphone, which is particularly common these days. The students participated in the class while smiling and chatting at first, but as they experienced the dangers of trucks, they became more serious.

Truck blind spots

Turning radius difference

Distracted bicycle riding

Through the creation of danger maps, the children learned about the dangers in the area where they live and what they should do to avoid being involved in such dangers.

	Creation of traffic safety maps around the school

Due to rainy weather, the class was held in the gymnasium, where the dangers of bicycles were explained through experience about blind spots and by using a dashcam.

Blind spot experience by using a bicycle	Explanation about the dangers of bicycles using a dashcam

Since the school is located near an industrial park with heavy truck traffic, we explained in detail about the turning radius difference and braking distance of trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I really enjoyed learning about the turning radius difference and truck blind spots. I want to be careful from now on so that what I learned today will not be wasted.”

Turning radius difference

Truck blind spots

Riding Experience

Since many students commute to school by bicycle, we demonstrated by simulating an accident involving a bicycle caused by a truck and other cases. The students were able to experience the fear up close and learn about the importance of following traffic rules for bicycles.

Accident involving a bicycle

Braking distance

This was the first time the class was held at the junior high school.
We explained about the dangers of truck blind spots, turning radius difference, braking distance, and distracted bicycle riding. The students became serious as they saw dangerous situations and actively engaged in the class.

Truck blind spots

Turning radius difference

Distracted bicycle riding

Since the school is located along a road with heavy truck traffic, we explained in detail about blind spots and turning radius difference of trucks. The students provided positive comments, saying “I will make use of what I learned today and be careful to avoid accidents.”

Truck blind spots

Turning radius difference

Braking distance

The sizes of the trucks, blind spots from a truck driver’s seat, turning radius difference, etc., were explained to the students in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition, the students learned about dangerous positions around the vehicle through experience in which one student actually sat in a truck driver’s seat while other students stood around the vehicle to check who they could and could not see from the truck driver’s seat.

Truck blind spots

Turning radius difference

Riding Experience

Truck blind spots、Turning radius difference、Braking distanceなどについて説明しました。参加した児童からは「運転席から見えないところが思った以上に多かった」「交差点でトラックが曲がってくるときは、もっと下がるようにする」などの感想がありました。

Truck blind spots

Turning radius difference

Braking distance

We provided first-year and third year students with an explanation on the possibilities of being not only vulnerable road users but also offenders, based on dashcam videos and other sources. On the ground, we provided second-year students with an explanation on braking distance, turning radius difference, and the dangers of riding a bicycle while using a smartphone.

Explanation using a dashcam

Truck blind spots

Distracted bicycle riding

We explained about truck blind spots, turning radius difference, braking distance (trucks, passenger cars, and motorcycles), etc. We also explained about the dangers of riding a bicycle while using a smartphone, which is a common occurrence these days.

Truck blind spots

Braking distance

Distracted bicycle riding

In the gymnasium, we explained about the correct way to cross a pedestrian crosswalk and the turning radius difference. In addition, the students took a traffic safety quiz and experienced riding in a truck. The children enthusiastically participated in the class to make sure they avoid traffic accidents.

Turning radius difference

Correct way to cross pedestrian crosswalks

Riding Experience

Crossing practice was conducted for newly enrolled first graders at an intersection they use on their way to school. The students provided positive comments, saying “When I cross a street, I will look to the right, left, and right, and also look around carefully from now on.”

Crossing practice at an intersection

In addition, we received a certificate of appreciation at the Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters from Mr. Toshihisa Masachika, Director General of the Traffic Department for our activities on dissemination and enlightenment of traffic safety among prefectural residents through the presentation of promotional and awareness raising articles associated with holding of the traffic safety street campaign. Through presentation of publicity and awareness articles, we continue our efforts to promote traffic safety to reduce the number of traffic accidents for all residents of the prefecture by even one case.

We participated in the opening ceremony of the “Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign,” which started on April 6, to raise traffic safety awareness among citizens.

On December 1, we conducted an activity to prevent traffic accidents toward the end of the year at Fukuyama City Hall in cooperation with the police and local residents in order to “create a safe and secure livable community.”

On November 10, a traffic safety training session on trucks was held for 40 drivers at Isuzu Motors Kyushu Limited in Fukuoka Prefecture. In response to a request from the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters for enhancement of drivers’ traffic safety awareness through safety education and safety initiatives to eliminate vehicle accidents, we explained risk prediction through discussion using dashcam videos and safe driving tips by using actual vehicles.

During the National Autumn Traffic Safety Campaign, we guided children and elderly people on how to safely cross a street at intersections on 26 main roads across Japan.

On September 21, as part of the Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign, the “No Traffic Accidents Campaign” (street activity for traffic safety) was conducted at the plaza in front of Nodahanshin Station in Osaka City. This was the fourth time the “No Traffic Accidents” campaign was conducted in Osaka Prefecture.
The purpose of the “Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign” is to disseminate and instill traffic safety philosophy widely among the public, to promote the practice of observing traffic rules and following traffic manners, and to promote thorough prevention of traffic accidents. In this street campaign, together with traffic accident prevention flyers, 120 pears were handed out to commuters with a wish for “no traffic accidents” (a pear is pronounced “nashi” in Japanese which has the same pronunciation as a word meaning “no”) to call for traffic safety.

Ahead of the “Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign” from September 21 to 30, the “No Traffic Accidents” campaign was conducted on September 14 at the toritsu-sansho-mae intersection in front of the Tokyo Main Branch in Etchujima, Koto-ku, Tokyo.
The purpose of the “Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign” is to disseminate and instill traffic safety philosophy widely among the public, to promote the practice of observing traffic rules and following traffic manners, and to promote thorough prevention of traffic accidents. Since 2013, we have conducted our street activities every year in connection with the “Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign,” and this was the ninth time the campaign was conducted. In the campaign, along with traffic accident prevention flyers, pears were handed out to commuters with a wish for “no traffic accidents” (a pear is pronounced “nashi” in Japanese which has the same pronunciation as a word meaning “no”).
This time we handed out 300 pears and traffic accident prevention flyers to call for traffic safety.

On August 25, we donated 350 copies of Traffic Safety Guidelines “Raise and Learn about the Heart of Safety” to newly entered first graders at 14 elementary schools in Kasaoka City and the Kasaoka City Board of Education at the Kasaoka City Hall in Okayama Prefecture. This was the fourth donation of the Guidelines to Kasaoka City, we received a certificate of appreciation from Kasaoka City Mayor Yoshifumi Kobayashi for our activities to raise children’s awareness about traffic safety and realize a local community without traffic accidents. The Guidelines provide children with easy-to-understand explanations on how to safely cross a street and ride a bicycle, and provide parents with instructions on how to educate their children about traffic safety.