Japan had 8,760 fatalities in traffic accidents in 1980, approximately one-half of the 16,765 fatalities which occurred in 1970. This decrease in fatalities is remarkable considering that the number of registered vehicles increased 113% from 1970 to 1980, and that total vehicle mileage increased 69% between 1970 and 1979.

In order to understand the nature and cause of accidents and fatalities in Japan, police departments have been investigating all serious accidents in detail since 1966. These investigations have led to many recommendations for traffic safety improvements.

Accident statistics were gathered from 476,677 injuryproducing accidents in 1980, involving 598,719 injured persons. Of these, 8,329 accidents were fatal accidents and were studied in detail by specially trained and equipped police teams. Summaries of 1980 traffic accident statistics are presented, with emphasis on alcohol involvement (much lower than the United States), injury patterns, and the effect of traffic mix (vehicles, cycles, and pedestrians). Comparisons of motor vehicle accident statistics between Japan and the United States are included. Also described is the unique organization of Japanese police departments for accident investigation, including methods of data collection and analysis.