Subcommittees of the Tateshina Meeting, Aiming to Realize Zero Traffic Accident Casualties, Intensify Activities from the Three Perspectives of Cars, People, and Traffic Infrastructure
TOKYO, JAPAN
DECEMBER 18, 2023
Seeking to advance specific initiatives, in July of this year, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) established subcommittees within the framework of the Tateshina Meeting *¹, which promotes discussions and the expansion of collaboration among participants with the goal of zero casualties in traffic accidents. The five subcommittees have started their activities with an initial focus on issues such as support for vulnerable road users like children and older adults, accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles, and accidents occurring overseas.
Since their establishment, the subcommittees have set a goal to accelerate, to the extent possible, the realization of achieving zero traffic accident casualties. To date, approximately 140 people from 35 companies have participated. Activities are being promoted in cooperation with the government, local authorities, and relevant organizations based on a three-pronged approach involving cars, people, and traffic infrastructure.
On December 15, 2023, a general meeting was held, bringing together participating members to review the progress of various activities and share insights between subcommittees. Additionally, opportunities to learn from external activities were created, such as inviting a speaker from the Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, which is working on reducing traffic accidents involving ordinary vehicles and rental cars through collaboration agreements with TMF and partner companies *². Continuous efforts will be made to explore various ways to promote subcommittee activities.
The current progress of the subcommittees is as follows. We plan to disclose updates on these activities as appropriate, starting with the Tateshina Meeting next summer.
|
Subcommittee |
Progress and Direction |
|
Data utilization and visualization of dangerous locations
Participants |
Outline · By integrating various data sets (from participating companies and organizations, cooperating residents, etc.), aim to improve the accuracy of identifying dangerous locations and utilize outcomes to facilitate more effective measures at the community level. Progress · Commence the creation of a highly accurate risk assessment model by integrating data from vehicles, smartphones, accident information, infrastructure, and near-miss information from residents. A preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of data integration is scheduled to be conducted in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, within the fiscal year. · In Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, data utilization verification testing through collaboration with the local community is planned. |
|
Safe driving support for the elderly
Participants |
Outline · Aim to eliminate traffic fatalities caused by elderly drivers by maintaining and improving their driving skills and creating a mobility structure that does not rely on private cars while closely aligning with local community lifestyles. Progress · The following themes have been set for the initiative. Going forward, regions will be selected, and verification testing tailored to the characteristics of each region will be conducted. o Create opportunities for people of all ages to reflect on their driving habits o Evolve driving diagnostic services and create user-friendly systems o Provide transportation options that do not rely on private cars and create mobility opportunities |
|
New awareness-raising activities for children
Participants |
Outline · Develop and implement new methods for raising awareness (utilizing VR, AR, digital twin, etc.) that will enable children to develop the ability to detect/avoid danger without having to experience real-world risks. Progress · Develop and deploy to local governments near-miss maps that share/visualize dangerous locations from the perspectives of children and their parents, and promote the development of VR in Toyota City (Hold educational and experiential exhibitions for children in Toyota City in conjunction with FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023 *³). · A demonstration in collaboration with parents and schools to understand children’s behavior in traffic environments is planned. |
|
Bicycles and motorbikes
Participants |
Outline · Through public-private partnerships, establish a system that will facilitate communication between vehicles and bicycles, leading to zero traffic fatalities involving bicycles and motorbikes, and develop a new awareness-building method. Progress · A demonstration utilizing connected technology to prevent accidents and improve compliance awareness and an understanding of rules and laws among cyclists is planned. (infrastructure-coordinated (ITS) and smartphone-integrated approaches) · Began to strengthen cooperation with the government, local governments, outside organizations, and others to verify the effectiveness of each technology and to disseminate rules regarding bicycles. →Aiming to propose and establish methods that encourage behavioral change in people for both the short and long term by integrating technology with conventional awareness campaigns. |
|
Overseas
Participants |
Outline · Focusing on the Asian region, which has a high number of traffic casualties, examine and consider radical measures aimed at reducing casualties, and promote the sharing and expansion of good practices in Japan and overseas. Progress · In Thailand, where accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles account for 80% of traffic accident casualties, initiatives through collaboration with relevant local agencies are under consideration. · In addition to the current participating members, collaboration with other companies that operate in Thailand is being explored. →Utilize data-driven efforts to understand the accident situation, develop countermeasures, and promote awareness campaigns. |
*1 The Tateshina Meeting was first held in 2019 as a platform for sharing aspirations and promoting collaboration toward realizing zero traffic accident casualties. It is held during the Summer Festival at the Mount Tateshina Shoko-ji Temple, where top executives from the automobile and related industries gather annually to pray for traffic safety. At the meeting held in July 2023, subcommittees were also launched to further enhance the effectiveness of initiatives towards traffic safety and achieving zero traffic accident casualties.
Reference: https://toyotatimes.jp/en/newscast/033.html
*2 “Pilot Initiatives for Reducing Traffic Accidents among Rental Car Users in Okinawa Prefecture”: Since December 2021, TMF, in collaboration with partner companies involved in the car rental business, has been conducting verification tests to support safe driving among rental car users. In February 2023, TMF concluded a collaboration agreement with the Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters and is currently promoting initiatives in collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
Reference 1: https://toyotamobilityfoundation.org/en/press-room/release02062023/
Reference 2: https://youtu.be/mpr5u9A48l8?si=_kwVTehcaQVNAKR3
*3 “Traffic Safety Plaza” (October 27 ~ December 24, 2023):
(In Japanese)
The Tateshina Meeting Subcommittee for New Awareness-raising Activities for Children will hold a “Traffic Safety Plaza” for children on the occasion of the “FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023” in Toyota City. | Press Room | Toyota Mobility Foundation
List of Tateshina Meeting Subcommittee Participants (in no particular order)
About the Toyota Mobility Foundation
The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores TMC’s on-going commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world.
The project supports the following SDGs.
Contact: Toyota Mobility Foundation (Yagi, Horie, Hashimoto)
TEL： 080-9351-3985
Office hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm JST (unavailable Saturday, Sunday, and National holidays)
E-mail: info@toyota-mf.org