← All articles

From October, Dusk-Hour Traffic Accidents Spike in Japan — What Police Are Warning

Fatal dusk-hour accidents in the last three months of the year run nearly double those of summer, and over 60% happen outside marked crosswalks.

From October, Dusk-Hour Traffic Accidents Spike in Japan — What Police Are Warning
  • From October, the largest group of traffic fatalities shifts from car occupants to pedestrians.
  • Fatal dusk-hour accidents in October–December run about 1.7 times those of July–September (589 vs. 348 cases, combined 2021–2025 data).
  • Police advise: pedestrians wear reflective gear, drivers turn on headlights early and avoid phone use, cyclists follow traffic rules.

Three things police highlight this season

Every September, Japan's National Police Agency runs the National Traffic Safety Campaign. This year it ran from September 21 to 30.

The three focus points are: pedestrians wearing reflective gear; drivers turning on headlights early at dusk and never driving after drinking or using a phone; and cyclists following traffic rules.

Why the timing matters

According to National Police Agency statistics, the number of traffic fatalities tends to rise from autumn through the end of the year.

From March to September, people riding in cars make up the largest share of traffic deaths; from October onward, pedestrians become the largest group.

Combining data from 2021 to 2025, fatal dusk-hour accidents in October–December alone reached 589 cases, about 1.7 times the 348 cases in July–September.

For fatal accidents where a car hits a pedestrian, October–December sees about twice as many as July–September, and over 60% happen outside marked crosswalks.

Words in this article

反射材はんしゃざい
reflective material
夕暮れ時ゆうぐれどき
dusk, twilight hours
飲酒運転いんしゅうんてん
drunk driving
横断歩道おうだんほどう
crosswalk
交通安全運動こうつうあんぜんうんどう
traffic safety campaign
歩行者ほこうしゃ
pedestrian

Notes

This article was checked on September 29, 2026.

The campaign's exact dates change each year, so check the National Police Agency's website for the latest information.

Source: 警察庁交通局 (10 Sept 2026)