Road Safety in Japan: Accidents, Insurance, and Licensing

1. On the road in Japan Accidents • Call an ambulance if necessary 119 • Call the police on 110, inform: • The time of the accident • The place of the accident • If anyone is injured or not • Your name and address 3) Never flee the scene (you’ll be held responsible) 4) If you can, move your car away from traffic to a safe place 5) Give assistance to anyone injured, stop their bleeding with a clean cloth • Do not move anyone with head injuries • Note the registration of the other party • Contact your Supervisor • Take any necessary health checks Responsibility for the cost associated with accidents is distributed relatively evenly as a % in Japan, even if you felt you were not to blameat all. Failure to notify the police or give aid to the injured may lead to legal punishments. Some ALTs have restrictions on driving during work hours, check before you start driving to your schools, but after hours and during the weekends, you have the right to use a car. Insurance MANDATORY Jidosha Songai Baisho Sekinin (JIBAISEKI) Hoken Third party injury damage compensation insurance (in case you hit someone on the road) that is mandatory for ALL drivers. It only covers a portion of the damages cost (approx 1million yen). RECOMMENDED Jidosha Nini Hoken Optional insurance, covering damage to your car, to property or passengers when you are driving.

2. Licensing for US JETS (see the Gifu JETs blog for more info) Road Tax This tax is levied on the size of the car, usually a lot less (up to 10,000 yen) for K-cars. US JETS face a more rigorous testing process to convert to a Japanese driver license. Tom Wanebo (former HIDA RPA) explains the process below: 1) Go down and drive the practice course. You have to have the entire test (every turn, every stop, every mirror-check) memorized, and there’s no possible way to do this without doing the practice course. This being Japan, the test has absolutely nothing to do with driving competence; instead, it tests your ability to take tests. You can ride along with other people who are driving the practice course, and that’s a great way to memorize it, so going down as a group is highly recommended. The practice center is open weekends.  2) Go on the date of your appointment, fill out some forms, take the written exam (easy to the point that you wonder if you’re being punk’d), take the driving test (verbalize everything you’re doing, so there’s no chance of the tester missing it! Literally, every time I looked at a mirror, or looked out a side window for traffic, I pointed and said "check." I've heard of people being failed because the tester didn't see them looking even though they did. It's your responsibility to tell the tester you're doing it.), wait around a bit, and get your license. You’re done! Should you fail the driving test, you cannot take it again for a month. Also, Americans, if you wear contacts, bring a case with saline solution to the test. I don't know why, but they made me take my contact out to do one of the eye tests, and I had nowhere to put it. I couldn't let it dry out, so I stuck it in my mouth... and then back in my eye for the test, so my eyeball was on fire while I "check...check...check"ed my way through the test. Sucked. JAF Highly recommended automobile club of Japan ! Your equivalent of AAA or RAC. For approx 6000 yen per year, you get roadside assistance if you breakdown, towing (certain distance), membership benefits and more. Recommended for inexperienced drivers. http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/index.htm

3. Bicycle basics • Register your bike (BOUHAN TOUROKU) at point of purchase for 520 yen, or take it to the police • Must ride on the road, keep left • Bike light installed for night time • One person per bike • ZERO alcohol tolerance (big penalties) • Do not hold an umbrella and ride • No earphones, mobile phones • A more comprehensive list of fines and • penalties can be found on the Gifu Jets site Shaken Every 2 years, your vehicle must be inspected for safety. Depending on the size of the vehicle and engine, this may cost between 50 – 150,000 yen. A vehicle cannot be driven without the inspection certificate displayed on the windshield and on the driver. Licenses An International Driving Permit is valid for one year only. To continue driving in Japan, apply for a translation of your foreign license, gather required documents and submit them at the Mitabora Licensing Centre in Gifu City. You will then be scheduled a test date. Depending on where you are from, a behind-the-wheel test may or may not be required. Submission documents and other info available on the Gifu JETS blog Driver’s License Department: 058 237 3376 • GETTING HOME AFTER A BIG NIGHT • So you have had a big night, celebrating your arrival in Gifu. Your car is parked nearby, but you know you are not allowed to drive under the influence. What are your options? • Stay at a friend’s place • Take a taxi • In Gifu, rates start at 660 yen for the first 2 kms, then increase at 300 yen per km thereafter. A late night surcharge of 30% applies. • Hi no Maru taxi – 058-240-1111 • Nihon taxi– 058-246-1212 • You have to get your car home, so why not try the DAIKOU service? Have a rep drive your car home as you take taxi. • 2500 yen for the first 2 kms, followed by 450 yen per km. Insurance, waiting time and cancellations charges may also apply. • Aichi Daikou – 058-251-4312

4. Driving drunk or under the influence • Zero alcohol tolerance • Zero tolerance for passengers accepting a ride with a driver who has been knowingly drinking, or offering a car to someone that has. • PUNISHMENT: imprisonment not exceeding 3-5 years & large fine in the order of 1/3 of a JET’s annual pay • Driving without a license • PUNISHMENT: imprisonment not exceeding 1 year & large fine in the order of 1/12 of a JET’s annual pay • You must comply by the following as a car owner in Japan: • Covered by a valid Inspection Certificate • Covered compulsory car liability insurance policy • RECOMMENDED; voluntary insurance (see over) • Other rules (which could earn you a “HANSOKUKIN” or traffic fine) • Car stereo volume must allow you to hear outside noise (ambulance, fire). No mobile phones! • For minor offences, pay the fine by the due date to avoid criminal or family court judgement • Obtain a copy of the Japan Automobile Federation’s ‘Traffic Rules – Foreign Language Edition’ for 1000 yen at the JAF – please read for FULL list of rules • Translated from the • Japan National Police ハイオク　 =High Octane レギュラー　 = Regular 軽油　 = Diesel Other useful phrases Mantan ! = fill me up ! Sensha = carwash Oiru koukan = oil change Taiya kuuki chekku = tyre air check @ Gas Stand TOLLROAD “ETC” CARD • Same card can be used anywhere in Japan • Cashless payment / avoid congestion http://www.go-etc.jp/english/system/index.html