Number of deaths from traffic accidents in Japan falls to its lowest level since 1948

In 2019, 3,215 people were killed by road accidents in Japan, according to Statistics by the National Police Agency, Japan Today reported.

The figure recorded last year, an all-time low, is the lowest since information collection began in 1948.

A long way away is 1970, when 16,765 died in traffic accidents.

Police attribute the significant decrease to strengthening police measures against speeding, improving car safety, increased use of belts, etc.

Chiba, with 172 victims, was the prefecture with the highest number of deaths, followed by Aichi, with 156. In Tokyo there were 133.

The prefecture with the lowest number was Tottori, with 54.

However, a high proportion of fatalities were people aged 65 and over: 55.4%.

Many accidents are caused by elderly drivers who often mistake the brake for the throttle. Japanese authorities are campaigning to encourage seniors to voluntarily return their driver's licenses. In addition, the government is promoting the development of vehicles with advanced safety systems, such as automatic braking. (International Press)