#Japan #Tokyo #Yamagata #Fukushima #Edesign Insurance

Edesign Insurance's Commitment to Local Traffic Safety

Edesign Insurance Co., part of the Tokyo Marine Group, is dedicated to creating safe transport environments by addressing local traffic issues through its philanthropic initiative, +machi. This year, the company has selected Yamagata City and Fukushima City as the beneficiaries of its donation program, based on the votes of customers who participated in the selection process. The contributed funds will go towards initiatives aimed at reducing accidents in these municipalities.

About +machi

The mission of Edesign Insurance is not only to provide assurance in case of accidents but also to co-create a world free from such incidents. +machi, which translates to “+ city”, focuses on the unique traffic challenges faced by local communities. Each year, the company invites municipalities to propose projects themed around creating a safe transportation environment, with the final beneficiaries chosen by customer votes. Through this initiative, Edesign Insurance significantly supports selected projects via donations.

The Reversed Proposal platform serves as a collaborative space where governmental and private entities can develop new business projects, refining safety measures tailored for local populations. Inspired by customer feedback that expressed the feeling of disconnectedness from the value of insurance when accidents are absent, +machi sets an annual target for accident rates. The contribution amount correlates with the achievements against these targets, reinforcing a culture of safety.

Beneficiary Projects

Yamagata City: Pedestrian Safety Measures at Intersections

Implementation: The project focuses on installing vehicle barriers and other protective measures at busy intersections, particularly along school routes, to prevent severe accidents.

Background: There is a rising trend nationwide in accidents where vehicles encroach upon pedestrian walkways at intersections. Yamagata City faces similar risks due to its traffic volume. The installation of vehicle barriers will serve as a defense mechanism to protect pedestrians from automobile accidents.

Municipal Comment: Thank you to all our policyholders who voted for this initiative. Yamagata City has previously benefitted from +machi, successfully implementing safety measures at intersections. This initiative seeks to further enhance pedestrian safety, ensuring a secure environment for local residents.

Fukushima City: Traffic Safety Workshops for the Elderly

Implementation: This program will host experimental and experiential traffic safety workshops for senior citizens, which will include vehicle light exposure experiments and simulations involving cars, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Background: Recent years have seen a surge in traffic accidents involving elderly individuals, commonly linked to a decline in physical and cognitive abilities that increases accident risks. Through these workshops, participants can assess their driving capabilities and judgment skills while refreshing their knowledge of traffic rules and safety practices.

Municipal Comment: Thank you to all the policyholders who participated in voting for this program. Our goal is to enhance traffic safety awareness among the elderly and ultimately reduce the number of traffic incidents.

Donation Amount and Timing

This year's donation will amount to ¥1,000,000 each for Yamagata and Fukushima, totaling ¥2,000,000. The planned execution date for the donation is set for July 2025, subject to coordination with the municipalities.

Previous Donation Successes

In past years, various local initiatives have received funding through +machi:

• - 2022: Creation of VR videos for students in Iwata, Shizuoka, and promotional activities to increase stopping rates at pedestrian crossings in Hirakata, Osaka.
• - 2023: Implementation of a roundabout intersection trial in Yamagata City focused on urban development policy, especially regarding intersection safety.
• - 2024: Traffic safety measures initiated for children transitioning to school cycling in Hino, Shiga, and a collaborative map-making event for elementary students and seniors in Toyooka, Hyogo.

+machi represents an innovative means of contributing to safer driving environments based on customer accident rates. Each year, local proposals aim at fostering safer transportation solutions, with the selection process driven by customer feedback and voting.

For more details about the initiatives discussed, visit the +machi introduction page.