Traffic accidents in Japan had continued to rise every year until casualties reached approximately one million, more than 16,000 died in 1970. However, thanks to a concentrated promotion of various traffic safety measures based upon the Fundamental Traffic Safety Program in successive years, the number of lives claimed in traffic accidents were reduced nearly by half by 1979 as compared to that in 1970. The number of injured in 1977 was reduced to 60% ofthat in 1970.

This trend, however, has reversed itself in the years that followed. Since 1982, for six consecutive years, the annual death toll in traffic accidents has exceeded 9,000. and in 1988 for the first time in 13 years, it reached over 10,000, to be exact the death roll was 10,344.

In order to fight against this situation in traffic accidents, in August 1988. Head Office for Traffic Policy (This is composed of the Administrative Vice-Minister of the concerned government organizations and the director of it is Director-Ceneral of the Management and Coordination Agency. This Head Office promotes comprehensive and effective measures by maintaining close communication between the concerned government organizations to ensure traffic safety and establish smooth and efficient urban traffic systems) mapped out countermeasures called "the Urgent and Comprehensive Measures Concerning the Prevention of Traffic Accidents" including the following:​

1. Promotion of national consciousnesso n traffic safety (including nationwide traffic safety campaigns).
2. Further development of traffic accident prevention measures conceming the elderly.
3. Further promotion of accident prevention measures for mopeds and motorcycles especially among youth.
4. Thorough enforcement of use of seat belts.