What specific road safety measures are being introduced for foreign drivers in Japan?

Question

Accepted Answer

Specific Road Safety Measures Introduced for Foreign Drivers in Japan

Japan is implementing a series of targeted road safety measures to address a significant increase in accidents involving foreign tourists driving rental cars. These initiatives are designed to enhance clarity and safety on Japanese roads, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the country's left-hand traffic system. The measures include physical and visual aids to guide drivers, with an initial focus on areas with high concentrations of rental car usage by international visitors.
Enhanced Intersection Guidance

To mitigate accidents, especially during right turns at intersections where many incidents occur, Japan is introducing coloured road surfacing. This surfacing will visually demarcate the correct path drivers should follow, aiming to prevent confusion and reduce the likelihood of entering lanes for oncoming traffic. This measure directly addresses the common point of error for drivers accustomed to right-hand traffic.
Physical Barriers and Reminders to Keep Left

The government is installing rubber bollards to physically prevent drivers from inadvertently entering lanes designated for oncoming traffic. Additionally, in locations with a high density of rental car companies, new signs will be erected. These signs will serve as constant reminders for drivers to keep to the left side of the road, reinforcing Japan's traffic flow convention.
Strategic Initial Rollout and Future Expansion

The initial phase of these safety measures will be deployed on roads surrounding Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Okinawa’s Naha Airport. These locations were selected due to the high volume of foreign visitors who rent cars and the significant proportion of tourists originating from countries where traffic drives on the right. Following an analysis of traffic data from the summer travel season, the government intends to expand these measures to national roads near these airports within the current fiscal year.
Building on Previous Success and Ongoing Evaluation

These new measures build upon a successful trial conducted in 2017, where warning signs were installed at high-risk locations. That trial reportedly led to a 60% reduction in sudden braking incidents. To further refine and potentially expand these efforts, the Japan Tourism Agency will conduct a comprehensive survey on rental car usage by foreign visitors. The findings from this survey and the effectiveness of the initial safety measures will inform future enhancements and broader implementation across Japan.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What specific road safety measures are being introduced for foreign drivers in Japan?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends