#Japan #Iwata #Toyota Mobility Foundation #Visual Drive #Traffic Safety Map

Enhancing Driving Safety for the Elderly in Shizuoka

In a groundbreaking effort to improve traffic safety for elderly drivers, the Toyota Mobility Foundation, alongside Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and Suzuki, has made significant strides through the "Tateshina Conference" initiative. This collaboration focuses on achieving zero traffic fatalities and injuries by emphasizing specialized support for senior drivers. Recently, the foundation presented a detailed traffic safety map to the city of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture, highlighting local traffic hazards that affect elderly drivers.

The traffic safety map is the product of a partnership agreement established between Iwata city and the Tateshina Conference's Elderly Driving Safety Support Subcommittee on May 30, 2025. This initiative is tailored to foster an environment where elderly drivers can continue to drive safely through reinforcing their driving habits and addressing local road dangers.

Launched in September, the initiative involved approximately 100 elderly drivers from the Toyooka district in Iwata. As part of the program, each participant's vehicle was equipped with an AD Telematics Tag, a device that measures driving behavior and gathers real-time driving data. Information related to sudden braking instances and speeding was shared with drivers via the "Visual Drive" mobile application, empowering them to improve their driving skills based on collected analytics. Additionally, these insights facilitated the creation of the traffic safety map, indicating areas prone to sudden braking incidents and other risks encountered by local drivers.



Also scheduled was a discussion event known as a “Chawakai” in December, where participants exchanged feedback and insights from their driving experiences. This session prioritized conversational reviews of the traffic safety map, addressing community hazards, and promoting dialogue about safe driving practices.

Continued efforts from both the Toyota Mobility Foundation and Iwata city aim to enhance the support system for safe driving, fostering greater awareness and dedication to road safety among elderly drivers. The initiative's goal adheres to the comprehensive approach established by the Tateshina Conference, which brings together industry leaders and stakeholders annually to create effective safety measures.

About the Tateshina Conference

The Tateshina Conference emerged in 2019 during a summer festival at Seikoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture, where automotive industry executives joined to discuss shared ambitions for reducing traffic accidents. The second gathering in July 2023 saw the formation of five specialized subcommittees aimed at addressing pressing issues, including the needs of vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly, accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles, and incidents occurring abroad. The conference has gathered participation from around 200 representatives across 44 companies, focusing on a united strategy encompassing vehicles, human behavior, and traffic infrastructure to propel this mission forward.

The continuous enhancement of safety measures for elderly drivers is essential. It not only protects vulnerable road users but also fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility within communities as they adapt to safer driving practices.

For more details, visit the Toyota Mobility Foundation's Traffic Safety Activity Page.

By combining resources and knowledge across various sectors, the Tateshina Conference is well-positioned to tackle these urgent challenges, paving the way for safer roads for all.