Aiming for Zero Oversights: The "Blind Spots for Young Children" During Vehicle Start and Japan's New Mandatory Safety Devices

1. Why "Starting" is the Most Dangerous Moment

• Characteristics of Toddler Accidents Seen in Statistics

  • Out of 418 vehicle × toddler fatal accidents from 2002 to 2024, 309 cases (74%) occurred at the moment the vehicle started moving (under 10 km/h), which is significantly high.news.livedoor.com

  • Drivers cannot directly see objects within 0.8m to 1.5m in front and about 1m to the side, and toddlers (height 70-100cm) are completely in the blind spot.
    
    
    

• Risk Scenarios Hidden in Daily Life

  1. Leaving for Work from Home Parking Space

  2. Slow Start in Nursery School or Supermarket Parking Lot

  3. Starting from the Shoulder by Delivery Trucks, etc.
     
     
     
     

2. Overview of New Obligations

* Detailed schedule expected to be confirmed in the government ordinance announced this fall.mlit.go.jp

2-1. Key Points of Technical Requirements

• Mirror Method: Attach front under mirror to the extension line of the A-pillar.

• Camera Method: Horizontal field of view of 121° or more + person recognition at 0.3 lx at night.

• Sonar Method: Detect objects below 50cm in height at 0.2 to 1.0m and issue a warning.

• Combination: Hybrid of camera and sonar to reduce false alarms.
  
  
  
  

3. Alignment with International Standards

Japan is leading the world in front side regulations, attracting attention from North American and European OEMs.jaf-training.jp

4. Technological Development and Market Trends

• OEM Initiatives

  • ○○ Automotive: Standardization of 360° view cameras + AI pedestrian detection.

  • △△ Mobility: Deployment of bumper-integrated millimeter-wave sensors in light vehicles.
    
    
    

• Suppliers/Startups

  • Aisin, Marelli, Mobileye Japan, and others jointly developing compact sensor modules.

  • Sales of aftermarket retrofit kits (approximately 40,000 to 80,000 yen) are rapidly increasing.
    
    
    

• Subsidies/Incentives

  • The government subsidizes half of the equipment purchase cost for small businesses (up to 100,000 yen per unit, planned).
    
    
    
    

5. Three Things Foreigners Driving in Japan Should Know

1. Additional Inspections During Vehicle Inspection: From 2027 onwards, parallel imported vehicles without installation will require mandatory modifications.

2. Choosing a Rental Car: Early introduction models are recommended for the many kei cars during the tourist season.

3. International License × Right-Hand Traffic Gap: Thorough safety checks are necessary as the directions are reversed at departure.
   
   
   
   

6. Global Trends in Child Traffic Safety

According to the WHO 2023 report, the leading cause of death for ages 5-29 remains "traffic accidents." Child protection technology is considered an essential key to a zero low-speed collision society.assets.bbhub.io

7. Remaining Challenges

• Response to Existing Vehicles: Approximately 60 million units in Japan. Although not subject to mandatory measures, there remains an inequality where lower-income households tend to drive older cars.

• False Alarm Issues: Sensor malfunctions have been reported in rain, snow, and fallen leaves. Waterproof and debris measures are underway.

• Human Factor: Over-reliance on devices may increase the risk of "while-starting" operations. Education and awareness are essential.
  
  
  
  

8. Future Prospects

There is a draft proposal to expand the mandatory scope to include "AI Driver Monitoring + Automatic Stopping" from 2026 onwards. By leading the international standardization of Japan's child detection standards, it is expected to become a "game changer" towards zero child traffic deaths worldwide.

Reference Article List

• Yomiuri Shimbun Online "74% of Fatal Accidents for Children Under 3 Occur 'During Start-Up', Children in Blind Spots... Obligation to Install Devices That Can Detect Infants" (June 15, 2025)news.livedoor.com

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Press Release "Introducing UN Standards to Prevent Overlooking Children in Accidents" (June 5, 2023)mlit.go.jp

• JAF Training "Comprehensive Guide to the Points You Need to Know About the 2024 Mandatory Rear Camera" (Updated January 2025)jaf-training.jp

• WHO “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023”who.int

• ITF-OECD “Japan: Road Safety Country Profile 2023”itf-oecd.org