Aichi Prefecture is taking a unique approach to reducing the
number of traffic accidents after having the worst rate in the country
11 years running.
The police in Naka Ward, Nagoya, rather than attempting to
crack down on rule-breakers, are trying positive reinforcement on people
who “do the right thing.”
“When people are praised, it puts them in a good mood. This
in turn serves as motivation for them to continue that behavior, which
will hopefully spread to the people around them,” an officer at Naka
Police Station said.
“Thank you for putting on your helmet. You are a role model
to others,” Assistant Police Inspector Seiji Kondo said through his
megaphone to a man on a bicycle near Nayabashi Bridge in Naka Ward on
July 17.
A while later, a child crossed the street with his hand
raised high in the air, and another police officer came up quickly and
gave him a card that says “Good job!”
The lad didn’t seem to understand what the card was for, but knew that it was meant as praise and smiled broadly.
The Aichi Prefectural Police adopted this approach in June.
Since many people pass through Naka Ward, there is a high rate of
accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians.
“We decided to stop telling them what not to do. We believe
we can raise people’s awareness for traffic safety by complimenting them
on their good behavior instead,” said Hirokazu Nonogawa, chief
inspector of the traffic department.
The same method was used in June last year in the Shibuya
district in Tokyo during Japan’s qualifying matches for the FIFA World
Cup.
The scramble intersection near the statue of Hachiko is a
popular location for viewing the matches. Last year the National Police
Agency set up a “DJ Police” booth, using humor and pleasant comments to
successfully guide foot traffic through the neighborhood.
The Aichi Prefectural Police took a lesson from that operation.
Officers in the community affairs department and the traffic
department carry cards to pass out to anyone they see displaying model
behavior. They have distributed more than 100 in the last month alone.
If the recipient is an elementary or junior high school
student, the police will ask for their name and school, then later
notify the school of their student’s excellent behavior.
Heiwa Elementary School in Naka Ward has taken to announcing the names of students who have received cards during assemblies.
“Praising a student in front of others will help raise their
awareness for safety, and will motivate others to do the same, so it’s a
positive influence,” said Vice Principal Takuya Yamanaka.
The Aichi Prefectural Police are also planning to get stores
and businesses involved by giving discounts to customers who carry a
good behavior card.
Chunichi
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