MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Tips for safe driving:
If confused on what side of the road to be on, just remember the center line should be on the right of the vehicle. nVisually check to ensure the side lane is clear of pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles before making any left turns.Always actively search for pedestrians and bicyclists and yield right-of-way. nA common understanding amongst Japanese is that the larger vehicle has the right-of-way.As distance increases, so does the distance needed for vehicles to come to a complete stop.When traffic lights are absent, Japanese traffic laws give right-of-way to the wider road. Since it is often hard to tell which road is wider, always drive as though the other road has the rightof- way.Once a traffic light turns green, check traffic to ensure it is safe before driving through the intersection.The use of cell phones while driving in Japan is prohibited. Distractions like these are the main cause of traffic accidents around the world.
Drivers can receive additional training through the Station Safety Center. Classes include: The Drivers Improvement Course, Remedial Drivers Training and several motorcycle safety classes. Contact Station Safety at 253-6381 for additional drivers training.
Things to remember while driving in Japan
Driver training for SOFA personnel Status of Forces Agreement personnel possessing a stateside drivers license are required to take an online driving course and pass an exam before they are issued a SOFA driver’s license.
Driving training for Japanese
After passing a written exam and a skill evaluation, the Japanese are required to attend drivers school where they must drive numerous hours on open road before taking a final skill evaluation exam. Upon graduation of driving school, they are eligible to apply for a driver’s license at a local police station where they must pass a written driving exam before being issued a license.
Crosswalks
Crosswalks in Japan are used by pedestrians and bicyclists. When approaching a crosswalk, remember pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way. Japanese law prohibits drivers from interfering with pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to cross the street. Most pedestrians and many bicyclists will enter a crosswalk without slowing down, checking for traffic or acknowledging the presence of any oncoming vehicles.
Side lanes
Motorcycles, scooters, bicyclists and pedestrians regularly use the side lane. Slow down and pass them with caution to prevent accidents caused by unpredictable movements from the side lane.
Narrow roads
Many of Japan’s streets are narrower than roads in the U.S. These narrow roads have a number of blind spots and a high potential for unseen hazards. A pedestrian could quickly step into a vehicle’s path of travel without warning.
Right vs. left
Driving in Japan presents its own unique challenges, especially for new drivers. In addition to becoming accustomed to driving from the right side of the vehicle, drivers have to condition themselves to drive on the left side of the road.
Speed limits in Japan
Speed limits in Japan are slower than in the U.S. With the average speed limit being between 25–30 mph, many new drivers tend to accelerate past the speed limit unintentionally.
Speed limits are as follows:
25–30 mph in rural areas.32–43 mph in suburban areas.43–65 mph in single lane express highways.Liability
Liability for a mishap will be tied to the Japanese investigation. It is important to call PMO to ensure the story is correctly communicated.All SOFA drivers are subject to Japanese law and its judicial decisions.Drivers are held to a high standard. Past records indicate that the driver is usually at fault if they hit anything smaller.