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Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · UTC
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Japan Cuts Residential Speed Limit to 30km/h to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths

Japan lowered speed limits to 30km/h on narrow residential roads to improve pedestrian safety.

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Japan lowered the speed limit to 30km/h on residential roads that lack a center line or maximum speed signs, effective on a Tuesday. [1] Data from Japan's National Police Agency indicate that pedestrian fatality rates are below 1% in accidents involving vehicles traveling at 30 km/h or less, rising to 2.7% at 30-40 km/h and 17.4% at 50-60 km/h. [2] Data indicates that children and older people are at particular risk of fatal or serious accidents on these narrow urban streets. [3] Police agency data show the mortality rate among pedestrians is less than 1% in accidents involving vehicles traveling at or below 30km/h, rising to 17.4% at speeds of 50-60km/h. [4] The new speed restriction covers approximately 870,000 kilometers of roads that are less than 5.5 meters wide and lack center lines or median barriers, according to the Mainichi Shimbun. [5]
What this stands on
  1. Japan lowered the speed limit to 30km/h on residential roads that lack a center line or maximum speed signs, effective on a Tuesday. · The Guardian
  2. Data from Japan's National Police Agency indicate that pedestrian fatality rates are below 1% in accidents involving vehicles traveling at 30 km/h or less, rising to 2.7% at 30-40 km/h and 17.4% at 50-60 km/h. · Daily Express
  3. Data indicates that children and older people are at particular risk of fatal or serious accidents on these narrow urban streets. · The Guardian
  4. Police agency data show the mortality rate among pedestrians is less than 1% in accidents involving vehicles traveling at or below 30km/h, rising to 17.4% at speeds of 50-60km/h. · The Guardian
  5. The new speed restriction covers approximately 870,000 kilometers of roads that are less than 5.5 meters wide and lack center lines or median barriers, according to the Mainichi Shimbun. · Daily Express
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