Tokyo, Japan – In response to a growing number of traffic accidents involving foreign drivers, Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) is taking proactive measures to enhance road safety. NPA Commissioner General Yoshimi Kusu issued directives on June 10th, urging police departments nationwide to strengthen preventative measures. The focus is on ensuring foreign drivers have a thorough understanding of Japanese traffic laws and driving etiquette.
The directive came during a national meeting of traffic department chiefs. Commissioner General Kusu emphasized the need to improve traffic safety education for foreign drivers. He stressed that these drivers need a deeper understanding of the specific rules and customs that govern Japanese roads.
The NPA’s plan involves several key strategies:
- Collaboration with Employers: The NPA will urge companies that employ foreign drivers to implement comprehensive training programs focused on safe driving practices.
- Partnerships with Rental Car Agencies: The NPA will work with rental car companies to provide foreign tourists with clear and concise information about Japanese traffic laws and local driving etiquette at the point of rental. This initiative aims to educate visitors before they even get behind the wheel.
- Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Sharing Services: The NPA will intensify its efforts to combat illegal taxi services that use private vehicles to transport foreign tourists for a fee. These services often operate outside the bounds of regulations, posing a risk to passengers and other road users.
According to NPA statistics, accidents involving foreign drivers have been on the rise. This trend has prompted the agency to take decisive action to address the issue.
The NPA’s efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly traffic environment for all road users, regardless of nationality. By focusing on education, collaboration, and enforcement, the agency hopes to reduce the number of accidents involving foreign drivers and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors alike.
References:
NHK World-Japan. (2025, June 10). Japan police chief calls for more effort to prevent accidents by foreign drivers. Retrieved from [Insert URL Here] (Note: Replace with the actual URL when available)
Views: 2