Ehime Prefecture initiatives target reduction in traffic fatalities

Organizations in Ehime Prefecture are intensifying efforts to reduce traffic fatalities, with the group ‘SAFE SAFE TOWN EHIME’ aiming to limit annual deaths to 33 or fewer. Comprising approximately 50 entities, including local governments and companies like Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, the group utilizes driving data—such as vehicle speeds and sudden braking—to visualize high-risk locations.

In a parallel initiative, Ehime Shimbun, with support from the Ehime Prefectural Police, has released a detailed analysis of accidents on residential roads. This study examined 2,721 accidents occurring between January 2021 and December 2025. The findings highlight that 76.8% of these accidents occur at intersections, with over 80% being head-on collisions.

Key trends from the data include a significant spike in fatality rates when speeds exceed 30 km/h. Additionally, elderly individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 77% of fatalities and serious injuries on these roads. The analysis also noted that accidents are most frequent during morning commuting hours (7:00–9:00) and evening return hours (16:00–18:00).