1. Moral Obligations and Responsibilities as Members of a Motorized Society
Vehicles have become a modern convenience indispensable for everyday life. However, they can become weapons causing tragic traffic accidents if used in the wrong way or become sources of loud noise and vibration, causing great harm to people living along roads.
Another common occurrence is arguments resulting from selfish passage, damaging human relationships. In this motorized society, pedestrians and drivers must both realize their responsibilities and not disturb others, and work to build up a traffic environment that facilitates safe and comfortable passage.
To accomplish this, it is necessary to know the correct facts about vehicles and traffic and to acquire the skills of how to behave correctly in traffic in advance. It is just as important to make decisions in actual traffic out of consideration for the other party instead of being self-centered, and to act on it.
1.1 The Three Elements of Driving (Recognition, Judgment, and Operation)
To drive safely without accidents, the most important things are quick and accurate recognition of the various changes in road condition that occur, judgment of what is most suitable for the situation, and operation of the vehicle in a calm manner.
| Recognition | Judgment | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Looking, Hearing | Making a decision | Taking action |
Driving a vehicle is a constant repetition of recognition, judgment, and operation, and a mistake in any one of these can result in tragedy.
Having acquired safe driving means that it has become a habit of the driver to pay careful attention to the conditions of the road and traffic, and to execute operation of a vehicle based on calm judgment. Always focus on driving, and never forget that a momentary lapse of attention may lead to a major unexpected accident.
1.2 The Driver's Responsibility
When proceeding along a road, specific, individual consideration must be given to factors according to road or traffic conditions, in addition to following traffic regulations. It is also a social responsibility of a driver to consider the safe passage of others.
① Being yielding and considerate
The road is something everyone uses. It is important to be willing to yield to each other, respecting the perspective of surrounding pedestrians and drivers.
It is necessary to act with compassion in consideration of the other party's perspective instead of in a self-centered way.
Work with each other, such as by reporting or helping when noticing a traffic accident or breakdown.
② Driving that does not cause disturbance to others
Do not think only of convenience in proceeding but be considerate so as not to disturb people in the area or to disturb people living along the road, such as with loud, unpleasant noise. Throwing things away on the road, putting things on it without permission, or otherwise interfering with the passage of others or disturbing them are not permitted.
③ Ensuring the safety of passengers
For four-wheeled vehicles:
- The driver must check the rear for safety when a passenger is opening a door or is getting out of the vehicle.
- The driver must also lock the doors and pay attention that a passenger does not, for example, carelessly open a door.
For two-wheeled vehicles:
- Riding double on a large motorcycle or a regular motorcycle with a passenger wearing no motorcycle helmet is not permitted.
④ Using child seats
Child seats dramatically reduce harm in the event of a traffic accident and also protect children from interfering with driving. Use a child seat for children who cannot properly wear a seat belt.
In particular, when preschool children (under 6 years of age) are passengers in an automobile, child seats of a design corresponding to the child's growth must be used. However, exemptions are available for unavoidable reasons such as illness.
Reasons for exemption from using child seats:
- ① When using a child seat is not appropriate because of injury or impairment
- ② When sitting in a seat on which it is structurally impossible to fasten a child seat
- ③ When transporting a number of preschool children that exceeds the number of child seats that can be installed
- ④ When it cannot be used properly for physical reasons, such as marked obesity
- ⑤ When continuing to use a child seat prevents nursing or other day-to-day care of the preschool child
- ⑥ When a driver of a taxi, bus, etc. accepts a preschool child as a passenger of a service
- ⑦ When transporting the preschool child urgently to a medical facility, etc. for first aid
Cautions when using child seats: If the child seat is used improperly, it will be ineffective, so please choose one that fits children's body size and can be securely fastened to the seat, and make sure to fasten it to the seat according to the instruction manual.
| Type | Size/Weight | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| For infants (Baby seats) | 70 cm or less, less than 13 kg | From birth to about 1 year |
| For preschool children | 65 to 100 cm, 9 to 18 kg | From about 1 to 4 years |
| For schoolchildren (Junior seats) | 135 cm or less, 15 kg to 36 kg | From about 4 to 10 years |
Using child locks, etc.
Setting the child lock on the rear doors to "lock" prevents children from opening the door from inside and is effective for preventing accidents, such as those caused by mischief.
⑤ Traffic violations (accidents) and liability
Committing traffic violations and causing traffic accidents brings the following liabilities upon a driver, according to the details of the violation or accident.
| Liability Type | Description |
|---|---|
| ① Criminal liability | The driver may be subject to a fine according to the details of the violation or accident, and may be subject to imprisonment or imprisonment without work. |
| ② Administrative liability | Points are added according to the type of the violation or the accident, and revocation or suspension of the license is decided depending on the cumulative total number of points. |
| ③ Civil liability | A driver who causes an accident, his/her employer, the owner of the automobile, and others may be sued for compensation of damages by victims of an accident. |
⑥ Being prepared with insurance, etc.
Drivers of vehicles should prepare for the possibility of an accident by purchasing automobile insurance.
Drivers must prepare in advance, for example, by acquiring knowledge necessary to perform first aid and equipping their vehicles with a first-aid kit.
2. Prohibition against Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
⚠️ Critical Warning About Alcohol
Alcohol, even a small amount, dulls the function of the brain and dulls attention and decision-making.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and intoxicated driving can lead to major accidents injuring others, not just the driver.
Dangers of drunk driving:
- Decision-making is dulled.
- Self-control is lost.
- Danger detection is delayed.
- Response is delayed.
"Don't drive if you drink. Don't drink if you're driving. Don't give alcohol to someone who's driving". Make this a habit.
- ① Someone who has drunk, even a small amount, must not drive.
- ② Alcohol must not be provided to or offered to someone who is going to drive.
- ③ Someone under the influence of alcohol must not be asked to drive, and others must not get into his/her vehicle.
- ④ Vehicles must not be lent to persons who may drive while under the influence of alcohol.
- ⑤ Be aware that the effects of alcohol may have lingered until the time to drive the next morning, even if alcohol had been drunk the previous night.
3. Compliance with Traffic Laws and Regulations
3.1 The Purpose of the Road Traffic Act
The Road Traffic Act is the law forming the basis for roads and traffic. The Act has a four-part purpose, as listed below.
- ① To prevent road hazards
- ② To ensure the safety of traffic
- ③ To ensure the fluidity of traffic
- ④ To prevent blockages (and pollution) arising from road traffic
Traffic pollution & Eco-driving
The number of residents being harmed by automobile exhaust gas, loud noise, and vibrations is not small. When proceeding along roads, make efforts to reduce traffic pollution by following regulations such as on maximum speed and load limits and avoiding unnecessary sudden starting, sudden braking, and racing the engine.
Try to drive with reducing the environmental load in mind (eco-driving), such as by eliminating sudden starting, sudden acceleration, and idling. Your small efforts lead to earth-friendly driving.
3.2 Compliance with Traffic Regulations
The road is a place where many people and vehicles proceed. If even one driver or pedestrian proceed in a selfish manner, traffic could become disorderly, and traffic accidents could occur. Even if it is fine for that driver or pedestrian, it may disturb other people.
For these reasons, traffic regulations have been established as a shared agreement all must follow as they proceed on roads safely and fluidly. In other words, following traffic regulations is a basic obligation of being member of society.
Actions, etc. prohibited on the road:
- ① Becoming an obstruction to traffic by becoming drunk and staggering, standing or lying, sitting, lying down, etc.
- ② Playing catch, roller-skating, skateboarding, etc. in areas with heavy traffic
- ③ Throwing or firing objects toward a road.
- ④ Damaging a road or scattering or disposing of wastewater, trash, nails, glass fragments, etc. on it.
- ⑤ Throwing cigarette butts, wastepaper, empty cans, etc. out of a vehicle or extending the body or an object out of a vehicle, etc.
- ⑥ Holding on to a moving vehicle or streetcar from the outside.
- ⑦ Shining lights toward the road that might dazzle the eyes of a driver.
- ⑧ Spraying water when it may freeze.
- ⑨ Displaying goods for sale, etc. or placing earth and sand, lumber, or other objects that obstruct traffic on or near roadsides.
- ⑩ Setting up a neon sign with a color similar to traffic signals near a traffic light, setting up an advertisement board near a traffic sign, or manipulating, transferring, or breaking traffic lights, traffic signs, or pavement markings without authorization.
- ⑪ Asking people without a license or people under the influence of alcohol to drive, etc.
- ⑫ Rushing a driver or performing actions which interfere with driving.
4. Preparations Necessary for Driving
4.1 Making a Driving Plan
A driving plan suited to the driver's skill and the vehicle's performance is necessary, for long-distance driving and also for short distances. Plan ahead for the route, time required, where to rest or park, etc. using a map or other information.
When driving over a long period of time, rest once every 2 hours, and if even a little drowsiness is felt, promptly rest and drive again after feeling alert.
4.2 Physical Well-Being
When people are tired, sick, or anxious, their attention and judgment ability decreases, which may lead to unexpected accidents.
In such cases, avoid driving or drive after recovering.
⚠️ Prohibition against driving while exhausted, etc.
- Do not drive while exhausted.
- Do not drive after taking cold or headache medicine that affects sleep.
- Do not drive a vehicle while under the influence of narcotics, stimulants, paint thinner fumes, etc.
4.3 Clothing, etc. Suitable for Driving
① For four-wheeled vehicles
When driving, wear clothing easy to move in to prevent interference with driving operations.
Do not drive wearing wooden sandals (geta) or high heels.
② For two-wheeled vehicles
Wearing a motorcycle helmet: Do not ride a two-wheeled vehicle without wearing a motorcycle helmet. Wear the motorcycle helmet correctly.
Clothing: Wear clothing which exposes as little of the body as possible, and wear protectors as much as possible. Wear items which would be easily seen by other drivers, and do not ride wearing sandals or other footwear which would interfere with driving. At night, wear reflective clothing or a motorcycle helmet with reflective stickers.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements:
- Use a motorcycle helmet that has the PS(C) or JIS mark.
- ※ Helmets for construction are not recognized as motorcycle helmets.
- Choose one that fits the rider's head and is strong enough but not too heavy.
- Fasten the chinstrap firmly, and do not wear the helmet tilted back or forward.
- Do not use a motorcycle helmet that has received any strong impact, as its functionality has decreased.
Criteria for choosing an appropriate two-wheeled vehicle:
When choosing a two-wheeled vehicle, choose a vehicle type that suits the rider's build. Starting with a large vehicle is dangerous, even if the driver is confident in his/her physical strength. Start with smaller vehicles and work up to large vehicle types with experience.
- ① The rider can lower the center stand easily on flat ground.
- ② When seated on the two-wheeled vehicle, the rider can touch the ground with the tips of both feet.
- ③ The rider can smoothly walk the vehicle in a figure-eight formation.
4.4 Correct Driving Posture
A correct, comfortable driving posture is the first step toward safe driving.
It is important to adjust the seat far enough forward so that the knee is slightly bent when the clutch pedal (or the brake pedal for an AT vehicle) is fully depressed and to adjust the backrest reclined enough so that the elbows are slightly bent when both hands are placed on the steering wheel. Avoid leaning to the side or driving with an elbow on the windowsill.
Correct driving posture for four-wheeled vehicles
- Eye height: An eye height which minimizes the blind spots of the vehicle (adjust the height and tilt of the seat).
- Seat placement: Position so that the knee is slightly bent when the clutch pedal (or the brake pedal for an AT vehicle) is fully depressed.
- Backrest: Position so that the elbows are slightly bent when both hands are placed on the steering wheel.
When driving posture is poor...
It is dangerous, making steering and braking operations unstable or reducing the effect of the seat belt.
- Hunched over - Space for steering and braking operations is reduced.
- Leaning back - Steering and braking operations are limited. Greater blind spots increase danger.
- Leaning to the side or placing an elbow on the windowsill - Actions to avoid danger in emergencies are delayed.
- One-handed steering - Actions to avoid danger in emergencies are delayed.
Correct driving posture for two-wheeled vehicles
- Back and sightline: Straighten the back and look far forward.
- Feet and knees: Place the arch on the step so that the sole is close to horizontal. Point the toes forward and grip the tank with both knees.
- Shoulders and elbows: Relax the shoulders, bend the elbows slightly, and bring the upper arms in a little into a natural position.
- Hands: Hold the handgrips lightly with the wrists downward, imagining pushing the handlebars slightly forward.
5. Wearing a Seat Belt and the Effects
Seat belts dramatically reduce harm in the event of a traffic accident and have many other effects, such as reducing fatigue by maintaining the correct driving posture.
When driving an automobile equipped with seat belts, the driver must wear seat belts, and make sure that passengers in the passenger and rear seats also wear them. (When the automobile is equipped with airbags, this still applies.)
However, exemptions are available for unavoidable reasons such as illness.
5.1 Wearing a seat belt correctly
- Sit deep in the seat without reclining the backrest.
- Make sure the shoulder belt (if it is a three-point belt) does not fall off and that it does not slack.
- Make sure that the belt does not twist.
- Fasten the lap belt firmly around the pelvis.
- Insert the buckle firmly until it clicks.
⚠️ Cautions for vehicles equipped with airbags
An airbag is a device that activates when the vehicle receives a strong frontal shock at a speed of 30 km/h or greater.
Airbags are only effective when used in conjunction with seat belts. Therefore, seat belts must be worn. Failure to wear a seat belt and relying solely on airbags can result in head or facial injury, which is very dangerous. Also, do not place baggage in front of an airbag.
Major reasons for exemption from wearing seat belts:
- When using a seat belt is not appropriate because of injury, illness, impairment, or pregnancy.
- When it cannot be used properly for reasons such as markedly tall or sitting height or marked obesity.
- When reversing an automobile (the driver only).
- When transporting a number of people that exceeds the number of seat belts but the driver cannot make sure that passengers in the rear seats wear them.
Wearing a seat belt during pregnancy:
Even during pregnancy, proper use of seat belts can safeguard the mother and her unborn baby in case of traffic accidents, etc., and harm can be reduced. Conditions during pregnancy differ from person to person, so get a doctor's advice as to whether wearing a seat belt would be appropriate in maintaining health.
- Wear both the lap belt and shoulder belt.
- Make sure that shoulder belt does not fall across the neck.
- Place the shoulder belt between the breasts and around the side of the belly.
- Avoid placing the lap belt around the enlarged belly and place it in the lowest possible position around the pelvis.
6. Checking for the Driver's License Card, etc.
Before driving, always check for the following:
- ① When driving an automobile or a general motorized bicycle, that a driver's license card for driving that vehicle is with the driver.
- ② That a valid automobile inspection certificate is with the automobile (excluding light motor vehicles and light special equipment, which are not subject to the inspection).
- ③ For automobiles or general motorized bicycles, that a valid automobile liability insurance certificate or automobile mutual relief system insurance certificate is with the automobile (excluding light special equipment for farm work).
- ④ That the driver is fulfilling the conditions stated on the driver's license card (use of glasses or contact lenses, including contact lenses).
- ⑤ When driving an automobile, that emergency signaling devices (smoke flares, red flashlights, etc.) are equipped with the vehicle.
- ⑥ When proceeding on expressways, that emergency warning reflector devices (emergency warning reflector board and emergency warning light), etc. are in the vehicle (excluding two-wheeled motor vehicles, heavy special equipment, light special equipment, and towed vehicles).
7. Prohibition against Using Mobile Phones While Traveling
Using mobile phones, etc. such as smartphones or attentively viewing the screen of car navigation systems, etc. while driving automobiles or motorized bicycles can be very dangerous by causing attention to surrounding traffic, etc. to become inadequate.
Mobile phones, etc. must not be used, and the screen of car navigation systems, etc. must not be viewed attentively while traveling, except when the automatic driving system is being used properly in an automated driving vehicle.
As for mobile phones, etc., prevent the ringtone from ringing by turning off the power before driving or setting the device to driving mode.
If its use cannot be avoided, use it after stopping in a safe area.
⚠️ Regulations on exceptions to the use of a mobile phone, etc. while driving
Amendments to the Road Vehicle Act for the practical use of automated driving vehicles came into effect on April 1, 2020. As a result, the use of mobile phones, etc. is now allowed only while driving an automation vehicle in automation mode according to the conditions of use of the automatic driving system (e.g., "expressway only").
However, even when no longer meeting the conditions of use of the automatic driving system or the vehicle has a breakdown, the driver must immediately take over the driving operation. Therefore, it is necessary to keep abreast of the equipment and systems that are in operation and drive properly without excessive confidence.
※ An automated driving vehicle is an automobile equipped with an automatic driving system, and is defined as one with a driving automation level of 3 or greater. Be aware that advanced safety vehicles or so-called "support cars" do not fall under the category of automated driving vehicles.