#Japan #Toyota #Traffic Safety #Toyota Mobility Foundation #Zero Accident Initiative

Toyota Mobility Foundation Hosts Traffic Safety Forum

On December 20, 2025, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), chaired by Akio Toyoda, collaborated with Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture to host the "Traffic Safety Forum: Living Safely and Securely. The Community's Commitment to Zero Accidents Campaign." This forum aimed to create a space for dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of zero traffic fatalities.

Promoting Discussion on Traffic Safety

The forum offered individuals an opportunity to reflect on the critical importance of traffic safety for themselves and their loved ones. Several enlightening speeches were delivered, highlighting the need to raise awareness about bicycle safety, especially in light of the introduction of Japan's new traffic violation system for cyclists (referred to as the “blue ticket”). Participants were encouraged to engage in community education and preventive measures to reduce bicycle-related accidents.

The event commenced with a special lecture by Akihiro Watanabe, a resident of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. He spoke on the importance of wearing helmets while cycling based on his painful personal experience as a parent who lost his son in a preventable bicycle accident in 2014. His heartfelt message highlighted the need for helmet adoption to protect cyclists on the road.

Following this, Naruko Mikuni, a representative from Kanazawa City, shared insights on the collaborative approaches between local residents and municipal government to enhance traffic safety. Her presentation emphasized the significance of community efforts in creating safer transport environments.

Insights on Bicycle Safety

In addition to these presentations, the TMF’s working group introduced innovative strategies leveraging technology and data to achieve the goal of zero traffic fatalities. Toyota City showcased its traffic safety initiatives, including the promotion of helmet use and community-led traffic safety programs conducted in collaboration with the local police department.

Exhibits at the forum highlighted numerous projects aimed at educating citizens on bicycle regulations, enhancing public awareness about bicycle accidents, and fostering co-operative solutions such as traffic safety maps that involve citizen participation.

Key Takeaways from the Speakers

Watanabe shared poignant moments from his life following the tragic loss of his son, reflecting on how a simple moment of crossing an unregulated crosswalk led to devastating consequences. He commented on the alarming decline in the rate at which vehicles stop at unregulated crosswalks in Aichi Prefecture and urged the importance of wearing helmets while cycling for self-protection. He proposed unique traffic safety measures like “Hazard Lamp Communication” to ensure children's safety and foster awareness in the community.

Mikuni recounted her experiences from a recent visit to Europe, stating how critical it is to have a transportation environment that safely accommodates various modes of transport, protecting vulnerable users like cyclists and pedestrians. Her work in Kanazawa, which included the demolition of obstructive pedestrian bridges and crafting educational guidelines for safe cycling, successfully reduced bicycle accidents significantly.

The Forum's Structure

The forum ran from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 2nd-floor multipurpose hall of the Toyota Chamber of Commerce. It interspersed lectures and presentations with exhibition opportunities from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM and again from 2:50 PM to 4:00 PM. It aimed to engage participants in discussions about pedestrian and cyclist safety while scrutinizing local traffic riddled with accidents, particularly among high school students.

The collaborative efforts between TMF, Toyota City, and various community stakeholders demonstrate a commendable commitment to building a safer future on the roads. As the forum concluded, attendees left with elevated consciousness regarding the vital role they play in ensuring the roads are safe for everyone, reinforcing that traffic safety is a shared responsibility.