June 25th is “Mujiko” (accident-free) day, which sounds like a pun on the Japanese word. A traffic safety seminar for seniors was held in Sukumo City, Kochi Prefecture.

The “Senior Traffic Safety Festival” was held by Sukumo Driving School and Sukumo Police Station, and 40 people between the ages of 60 and 89 participated. First, a senior citizen advisor from the police explained the current situation in which elderly people are killed by cars while crossing the road. He also urged people to back up their cars when parking in parking lots.

Outside there were various experience booths. Among them, a participant experienced suddenly braking while driving a car.

“It’s difficult after all. I don’t usually have to slam on the brakes, so I think it would be better if I had some experience.”

In addition, participants who rode in a device that collided at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour seemed to get a real feel for the strength of the impact and the role of seat belts.

“It hurts. If I don’t wear a belt, I might fall forward.”

“Even at a speed of 5 kilometres per hour, it hits your waist and neck hard. You really have to wear a belt because it’s your life.”

“That hit me right in the stomach! When I get in the car, the first thing I do is fasten my seat belt. I never forget that! To protect my body.”

According to the prefectural police, 12 people died in traffic accidents in the prefecture in 2024. Of those, 10 were elderly. Participants learned the importance of road safety through this experience.