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Overview of the 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project

In a significant effort to promote traffic safety among young children, the Kokumin Kyosai Coop (National Workers' Cooperative Union) in collaboration with Asahi Students' Newspaper Company, launched an initiative called the 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project. On June 25, 2021, they conducted online classes focused on traffic safety for elementary students in Grades 1 to 4, reaching a remarkable 7,104 children from 75 schools across Japan. This endeavor aims to educate students about the dangers on the road, particularly during the summer vacation period when children's activities expand.

The online classes will be made available as an archived video on the Kokumin Kyosai website from July 31, allowing families to access this vital safety information before planning vacations or outings.

Class Structure and Content

The online lessons featured a quiz format, organized into four levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Approximately ten questions concerning pedestrian traffic safety were posed. For example, one specific question contrasted the visual field of children versus adults, illustrated with photographs to stress the differences in horizontal and vertical sightlines. The session concluded with a review of the quiz, which emphasized critical safe walking practices for children.

Instructor Profile

The classes were led by Akihiro Numata, a teacher at Tokyo Gakugei University Oizumi Elementary School. After graduating from Tokyo Gakugei University with a degree in education, he continued his studies at Ball State University in Indiana, USA. Since 2006, he has been actively involved in educational events, motivational speaking, leadership training, coaching, and establishing trust in educational relationships. He has authored several books, including One and Only: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself.

Class Details:

• - Hosts: Kokumin Kyosai Coop and Asahi Students' Newspaper Company
• - Collaborators: Asahi Shimbun Teachers' Connect
• - Target: Elementary schools
• - Dates: June 25, 2025, with sessions held in two time slots: 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM.

Why Focus on 7-Year-Olds?

Research conducted by the Foundation for Traffic Accident Analysis highlights that seven-year-olds are particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents due to their lower eye level and still-developing attention spans. Consequently, children at this age are significantly more likely to be involved in roadway accidents. This project, initiated in January 2019, has placed a critical focus on mitigating these risks through educational initiatives.

Feedback from Participating Schools

Post-class surveys from the teachers at participating schools indicated overwhelmingly positive responses. Approximately 90% of teachers noted that their students appeared to enjoy the lessons. Around 70% felt the content was clear and easy to understand, while 90% reported that the lessons significantly contributed to the students' safety education. Teachers commented positively on the quiz format, noting that it made the online experience interactive rather than one-sided.

Sample Teacher Comments:

• - "The quiz format engaged students and kept them focused."
• - "The lessons help children realize the risks associated with being seven years old."

Previous Efforts in Traffic Safety

The 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project has undertaken a variety of initiatives over the years, including:
1. Donation of Crosswalk Flags: Since June 2020, for every estimation of their car insurance, they donated a crosswalk flag to local schools, totaling over 1.55 million flags so far.
2. Research with Kanazawa University: Since November 2019, they have been investigating the visibility and behaviors of young children to better protect them from accidents.
3. Local Online Safety Maps: Developed in collaboration with Kanazawa University, these maps help families identify safety hazards in their areas.
4. Establishing Child Safety Monitoring Day: Celebrated on April 4, this day is recognized to promote the project's efforts in community safety.
5. Digital Picture Books: They offer interactive digital storybooks to raise awareness about traffic safety for children and parents alike.

This program is not only an essential educational resource but also a proactive approach to mitigate traffic-related risks for children, ensuring a safer community for all.

For more information, please visit the official site: Kokumin Kyosai Coop