[Road Traffic Law Amendment] 3 'Reiwa-era Accident Responses' Derived from 10,000 Mediation Cases to Prevent Drivers from Ruining Their Lives

Amidst moves to amend the Road Traffic Law, including the introduction of a traffic violation notice system (blue ticket) for bicycles, interest in the risks of traffic accident troubles is rising.

On June 7, 2026, Nihon Soken Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture; President: Satoshi Katsuishi) gave a traffic safety seminar at a general meeting hosted by the Higashikagawa City Traffic Safety Mothers' Association. On the day, with the Deputy Mayor of Higashikagawa City and the Chief of Higashikagawa Police Station also visiting for inspection, Shinzo Katsuishi (Vice President of the company), who is also a civil mediator, explained three key initial action points based on a driver's perspective for 'accident response in the Reiwa era' and the often-neglected 'person-to-person' interaction at the scene.

▼ Nihon Soken Co., Ltd. Corporate Site
https://www.iba-ns.com/

■ Legal Pitfalls Awaiting Drivers That Are Surprisingly Unknown

For drivers, correctly understanding traffic rules is indispensable, and its importance goes without saying. However, a lack of awareness or misunderstanding of legal rules is also a factor that increases risks after an accident.

For example, the idea that 'if the worst happens, filing for bankruptcy will eliminate liability for damages' is a major misconception. Article 253 of the Bankruptcy Law strictly stipulates that damages from 'intentional or grossly negligent personal injury accidents' are not exempted from liability.

Furthermore, in modern times, actions like 'using a smartphone while driving' are highly likely to be judged as gross negligence, and there are many cases where 'it falls under the exclusion clause of the automobile insurance contract, and insurance money is not paid.'

As a result, drivers themselves face the double blow of 'insurance money not being paid, and even if they file for bankruptcy, they cannot escape liability for damages for life.' This impact can also extend to their families. A moment of slight carelessness can ruin anyone's life.

■ Never Give Up on 'Person-to-Person' Interaction: 3 Reiwa-era Accident Responses Derived from 10,000 Mediation Cases

On the other hand, it is also true that even with careful attention, not all traffic accidents can be completely prevented.

So, what should you do if you cause an accident?

In recent years, accident response has become more systematized and AI-driven compared to the past, with more cases being handled smoothly. However, what insurance companies can legally resolve is limited to the area of 'damages (money),' and it is not easy to fully care for the 'feelings of the victim' hurt by the accident.

In mediation settings, cases where 'the victim's emotional residue,' which cannot be resolved by such administrative procedures alone, escalates into major trouble are endless.

Katsuishi, who has experienced over 10,000 accident mediation cases as a civil mediator, strongly argues that 'no matter how times change, we must not neglect person-to-person communication at the scene. Emotional misunderstandings that cannot be covered by insurance company responses alone can only be resolved by your own actions. How you act is crucial.' He advocated for 'three initial actions' to prevent ruining one's life.

① The First Action: 'Are you okay? Are you injured?'
Immediately after an accident, an attitude of prioritizing the other person's physical condition without making excuses or shifting blame changes the subsequent course of events. Then, call 110 (emergency number) faster than anyone else.

② Evidence Recording with a Smartphone: 'Wide, Medium, Close-up' Shots
It is a golden rule to take photos of the scene in three stages: overall view (panorama), medium shot, and close-up. Objectively recording traffic lights, signs, and road conditions acts as a shield to suppress emotions between the parties and promote冷静な行動.

③ The 'Visitation Rule' to Prevent Emotional Complications
Taking action within 7 days after the accident (a phone call within 24 hours, bringing a get-well gift within 3 days, checking on the person's condition within 7 days) by the driver themselves is the greatest bulwark against excessive hospital visits and messy court troubles.

■ Speaker's Comment

Approximately 50 people participated in the seminar that day, listening attentively while taking notes.

I believe they were able to gain learning as risk management for emergencies.

However, the most important thing is undoubtedly 'not causing traffic accidents.'

In Higashikagawa City, the number of traffic accidents has been decreasing year by year thanks to the proactive efforts of the members of the Traffic Safety Mothers' Association.

We believe that the awareness of each individual can change the future of the community. This is not just an ideal.

Receiving this valuable opportunity and being able to promote risk management that 'makes challenges possible' together with administrative and police officials was a great inspiration for me.

The Nihon Soken Group operates under the mission of 'changing the risk management awareness of the Japanese people' and the philosophy that 'if even one person is missing without reason, self-realization is impossible.'

We will continue to strive to spread practical risk management that goes beyond the mere framework of insurance.

【Speaker Profile】 Shinzo Katsuishi
Vice President, Nihon Soken Co., Ltd.
President and Representative Director, Nihon Soken Trust Technologies Co., Ltd.
Extensive experience in traffic accident mediation as a civil mediator.
Also active as an insurance broker, promoting risk management from a unique perspective.

【Group Information】
Nihon Soken Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Representative: Satoshi Katsuishi, President and Representative Director
Head Office: 2-1 Sunport, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
Established: December 1996
Business: Insurance Broker
Securities Code: 5840
Number of Employees: 38 (Consolidated, as of April 8, 2026)
Base: Kagawa Prefecture
https://www.iba-ns.com/

Nihon Soken in Customer Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Representative: Masashi Katsuishi, President and Representative Director
Head Office: 844-1 Higashi Ni, Iino-cho, Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture
Established: April 2000
Business: Insurance Agency
https://ns-ic.co.jp/company/

Nihon Soken Trust Technologies Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Representative: Shinzo Katsuishi, President and Representative Director
Head Office: 2-1 Sunport, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
Established: October 2013
Business: Risk Consulting
https://nstt.co.jp/