Aiming to Reduce Accidents During Dusk and at Night, Toyota Mobility Foundation and the National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives Develop Software That Can Determine How Visible Clothing is to Drivers

Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and the National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Kyosai) have developed “Visibility Check,” software that can simulate how drivers see your clothing and determine your clothing’s visibility. Applying lighting environment evaluation system (QUAPIX) technology from Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd., this undertaking aims to reduce accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians during dusk* and nighttime hours.
*Dusk is defined as one hour before and after sunset (sunset times vary according to the day, month, and prefecture).

To prevent traffic accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians during dusk and nighttime hours, in addition to drivers paying extra attention to pedestrians, it is also important that pedestrians make their presence known to drivers. Using the “Visibility Check” software allows pedestrians to easily understand how they will appear to drivers, which can lead them to take action, such as wearing clothing that is a little brighter or attaching reflective materials to their clothes. TMF and JA Kyosai share a common desire to see the realization of zero traffic accidents. And by leveraging each other’s knowledge and networks, they will proactively conduct awareness-raising activities, such as holding events that utilize this software.

Fatal traffic accidents occur most frequently between 5:00 and 7:00 pm (Graph 1). The number of fatal traffic accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians occurring during dusk is 3.6 times higher than during the day (Graph 2).

Additionally, according to a survey of driver and pedestrian awareness related to dusk, although it is extremely important for drivers to be able to see pedestrians to prevent accidents, the fact is that only a small percentage of pedestrians are taking measures to make themselves more visible.

About “Visibility Check” This software simulates how you appear from a driver’s perspective and determines the visibility of your clothing.

1.How it works

2.Main features

１）Simulation of multiple scenarios is possible

①You can see your level of visibility in three time periods: daytime, dusk, and nighttime
②You can see yourself from two different distances

• (1)38 meters away: Visible if you wear bright clothing
• (2)57 meters away: Visible if you wear reflective materials (when photographed with reflective materials used)

２） Makes determinations according to three levels, A to C*; a diagnostic chart with advice on countermeasures is provided

TMF and JA Kyosai will start awareness-raising activities utilizing the software, including exhibits at the Classic Car Festival (*1) hosted by the Toyota Automobile Museum and at the Reflective Materials Fair 2022 (*2) hosted by the Japan Traffic Safety Association, and via the nationwide deployment of “Kizuna-go,” a vehicle equipped with a driving simulator, which is a project being implemented by JA Kyosai.
(＊1)　 Sunday, October 9 @ Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture
(＊2)　 Saturday, October 22 @ Ikebukuro Sunshine City, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo
(＊3)　 Trial implementation from October, full-scale implementation scheduled to start from April 2023

It is important to integrate the following three elements to realize traffic safety: implementing activities aimed at raising awareness of the issues among “people” (drivers and pedestrians), developing safe “vehicles,” and improving the “traffic environment” through efforts such as installing traffic signals and carrying out road maintenance.

In addition to enhancing educational tools and conducting educational activities for “people” in cooperation with related organizations, TMF will continue to promote the realization of a “society with zero fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents” by combining existing technologies and introducing new technologies and approaches.

Reference data (Japanese only)

Press Release