秋の全国交通安全運動が始まる

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is September twenty-third. All across Japan, the autumn traffic safety campaign is underway — ten days of extra care on the roads as the days get shorter. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down, sentence by sentence.

From September twenty-first to the thirtieth, the national autumn traffic safety campaign is being held.

It means safety — being free from danger.

This is a nationwide activity to reduce traffic accidents. It happens twice a year, in spring and autumn.

It means to reduce — to make the number smaller.

In autumn, the sun sets earlier. In the dark evening hours, accidents increase.

It means dark — the opposite of bright.

So, people driving cars should turn on their headlights early in the evening.

It means to drive — to operate a car.

For people walking, it is safer to wear bright-colored clothes and shiny reflectors.

It means to shine — to give off light.

For people riding bicycles and electric kick scooters, following the rules is important. Let's wear helmets, too.

It means to follow or protect — here, to follow the rules.

Drinking alcohol and driving, or looking at your phone while driving — absolutely stop doing these.

It means to stop or quit doing something.

The police and people in town are watching over children and elderly people near schools and other places.

It means an elderly person — a polite, warm word.

Let's listen to the whole story one more time.

Time for a short quiz. Listen and try to answer.

Until September thirtieth — the last day is the day that aims for zero traffic deaths.

Because the sun sets earlier and it gets dark — accidents increase in the dark evening hours.

They should turn on their headlights from early in the evening.

That's all for today. Stay safe out there — bright clothes, early lights, and no phones on the road. See you next time.