Private Cars Become the Eyes of the Fire Department: New Trial Launches in Toyota City

What would you do if you came across the scene of an accident or fire?

Most people would probably dial 119, Japan's emergency number for fire and ambulance services.

But in the panic of the moment, or when words alone aren't enough to convey the situation, callers may struggle to communicate accurate information clearly.

For situations like these, there's a system that lets the fire department check dashcam footage from cars that were driving near the scene.

It's called Drive Recorder 119.

Toyota developed the system, and Sakai City in Osaka and Kyoto City have conducted trials using footage from commercial vehicles.

Now, with the aim of exploring the project's potential further, a new trial using footage from private vehicles began in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, in May 2026.

Toyota Times News got an inside look at the Toyota City Fire Department's dispatch center, where operators take emergency calls.

The system has already been used at actual accident scenes. In some cases, it has led to faster deployment of fire trucks, and the results are starting to show.

"Could we use the dashcams in cars driving around town as the eyes of the fire department?"

That idea, from one Toyota employee, is what gave rise to Drive Recorder 119.

Now, through the cooperation of many people, that challenge to shape the future is ready to make a major leap forward.