[JAF Gifu] 'School Safety Project' Enters 20th Year, Continues in 2026

The JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) Gifu branch will continue its 'School Safety Project,' a class for elementary school students in Gifu Prefecture to learn the importance of wearing seatbelts, following the mandatory rear seatbelt law in 2008. Starting with Yamato Elementary School on June 1, 2026, and ending with Ikebe Elementary School on January 15, 2027, the project will visit 25 schools across the prefecture. This project has been conducted annually in collaboration with Gifu Prefecture since 2007, with the support of the Gifu Prefectural Police and local governments, to teach the importance of rear seatbelt use. Through simulated collision experiences at approximately 5 km/h using a seatbelt effect experience vehicle, students learn the importance of wearing seatbelts. The goal is for students to share this experience with their families, thereby promoting seatbelt use in all seats. Although more than 16 years have passed since the 2008 mandate, and Gifu Prefecture's usage rate is above the national average, awareness of rear seatbelt use remains lower compared to the 99.3% for drivers and 97.8% for front-seat passengers.