PRESENT CONDITIONS AND PROBLEMS OF TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION IN JAPAN

This paper deals with historical circumstances concerning the institution of systematic traffic safety measures, and especially the status of traffic safety education and driver training in Japan. Traffic safety education in Japan today is aimed at life-long education ranging from preschool children through school-boys and girls, drivers of all ages and to senior citizens as its ideal. Traffic safety education is fostered in the home, school, community and in work place, and given to all traffic participants, that is, pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and automobile drivers. As roles of women and mothers at home and society are important, it is planned to systematize them for the better traffic society. The system of driver training for those wishing to obtain a drivers licence, instruction at the time of renewal of the licence every three years, and corrective training in Japan is very well arranged. In addition the system of the safe driving supervisor in industry is peculiar to Japan, functioning widely for fostering safe drivers. One of the problems today is the lack of enthusiasm at junior high schools and high schools concerning driver education. Another important problem here-after is to elevate the quality of leaders of traffic education. (a)