In Japan, the number of traffic accidents and slight injuries has increased in recent years, but the number of fatalities has decreased. However, among fatalities in vehicles, the number of older people has increased 1.8 times during the last ten years.

Among serious injuries involving older people in vehicles examined by type of accident, the percentage of crossing collisions is noticeably greater than in other age groups. Older people tend to be more seriously injured with the same impact.

This paper describes the recent status of traffic accidents in Japan based on nationwide traffic accident statistics. In particular, it shows the change of casualties in vehicles. It also identifies human errors leading to accidents involving older drivers and how their chest injuries are caused in low-speed collisions based on the in-depth investigation studies. It suggests both active and passive safety measures for older drivers.