How to Drive In Japan

I have finally figured out how you are supposed to drive in Japan. I'm pretty sure they give all drivers a special check list along with some training that teaches them these important driving skills and techniques.

Rules for driving in Japan:

1. Always look straight ahead. Never use your mirrors as they can distract from the now.


2. Never turn your head to see if someone may be in your blindspot, this too distracts from the now.


3. When in doubt, pull out. This means that if you cannot see whether or not the coast is clear, just go.


4. Take Speed Limits seriously. It's best to drive at least 15-20km slower than the Speed Limit just in case.


5. When a light turns GREEN, count to 10, take off your parking break and slowly, very slowly apply pressure to the gas pedal.


6. When a light turns YELLOW, continue at normal pace.


7. When a light turns RED, disregard and continue at normal pace through the intersection until at least 5 cars have gone through and/or the opposing light is already turning YELLOW. This will give them just enough time for the other traffic to begin acceleration.


8. If you want to go straight through an intersection where the traffic signal has a RED light with a GREEN turn arrow, just keep going straight. The RED is merely a suggestion, especially since there is technically still a GREEN light up there. You still have the right away, those trying to turn do not.


9. YIELD at all STOP signs.


10. STOP at all YIELD signs.


11. Turn signals are there to tell other drivers you are currently in the act of turning. They are not meant to warn or inform other drivers that you intend to turn soon.


12. You can park anywhere along the road, even in the middle of a lane of a major street if you turn on your hazard lights. The best places to make use of this technique are just after major intersections, right before a shoulder, right before a parking lot, and right before a side street. It is unnecessary to try to get out of the way of traffic.


13. The best time to pull out into traffic is when oncoming traffic is within 10 ft of your position. This assures that they will see you pulling out and force them to stop to let you in. At this point you should either stop halfway in the lane or continue pulling out into traffic and accelerate slowly. This is the best way to show them gratitude for letting you in.


14. The safest place for young infants is in grandma's lap in the passenger seat. If you chose to use a carseat, the best place for this is in the passenger seat as well, in front of an airbag.


15. Young children are happiest when standing in the middle of the car, hanging out the window, doing handstands in the backseat, laying partially on the dashboard (this is a great place for them to nap during long drives), and especially on your lap while driving (that way they can learn these same great driving skills at a young age).


16. While children are indestructable, you must wear your seatbelt at all times or receive a ticket.


17. If you happen to be in a vehicle accident, who is at fault will be calculated reasonably between the participants. If you happen to get into an accident with an American, don't worry, they are at least 80% at fault--yes, even if it is really your fault.


18. Talking on a cellphone while driving is illegal. However, texting or watching television on your phone or dashboard TV is perfectly acceptable.


19. Sometimes it is important to ignore any cars on the road and drive as if they are not there.


20. Lastly, if you chose to cut someone off merely follow up with a quick wave and bow of your head and they will forgive you.