Photo/Illutration The National Police Agency in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Seven-year-olds accounted for the most pedestrian casualties in traffic accidents in the five years through 2024, the National Police Agency said.

Twelve of the youngsters died and 3,424 were injured over that period.

Among cyclists killed or injured in traffic accidents between 2020 and 2024, 16-year-olds accounted for the most, at 17,141, the NPA said. Specifically, 14 died and 17,127 were injured.

The figures were released ahead of the annual nationwide spring traffic safety campaign, which started on April 6.

Among all elementary school pupils aged between 6 and 12 who were involved in traffic accidents while on foot, 33 were killed and 1,842 were seriously injured.

Nearly 40 percent of the children were on their way to or back from school. Many of them were hit by vehicles after running out into the street.

NPA officials are calling on the public to pay attention to children’s safety. They also urged parents and guardians to accompany children in this age group to and from school and to instruct them on traffic rules.

In total, 32 high school students of all grades were killed and 2,524 were seriously injured while riding bicycles.

Nearly 70 percent of the accidents occurred on their way to or from school. And only 8.4 percent of the cyclists were wearing helmets.

NPA officials repeated their call for cyclists to wear head protection.

Seven-year-olds are usually first- or second-graders while 16-year-olds are first- or second-year senior high school students.

The NPA said the risk for children of these ages may increase after they have grown accustomed to going to and from their schools.

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