2012 traffic accident death toll in Tokyo lowest since end of war
TOKYO —
The National Police Agency said Wednesday that the death toll from traffic accidents in Tokyo in 2012 was 183, the lowest figure since the end of World War II.
The toll was also 32 fewer than 2011, the NPA said on its website. The highest figure was 1,179 deaths in 1960.
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-1
T-Mack
Japan is leading the way in safety in my opinion, better drivers than most of the USA...This is very good new's...
0
Upgrayedd
Just last week I had to take the 2 hour license renewal class in Shinagawa. They really do stress safety but I think the most important point in comparison to the USA is that the Japanese authorities make it clear that pedestrians and cyclists OWN the road and not the other way around like in the states.
-1
T-Mack
I dated a girl who went to prison for manslaughter, after making a right hand turn and killing a person on a bike, whom she had never seen....what ever do you mean? The court's make it perfectly clear...
12
Mocheake
The stats are great but I don't think it can be solely attributed to the driving courses they give here as some previous posters seemed to suggest. A falling population, safer cars, more people taking trains and buses, tougher penalties for drinking and driving, lower speeds on roads, etc., all play a hand. However, this is good news no matter how you slice it.
2
hereforever
Perhaps it's because disposable income is the lowest ever and more and more people can't afford a car. I know for a fact that since the strict parking regulations started, the sales of motorcycles have dropped.
-4
letsberealistic
Are we living in the same country here? Such contradictions on this board. Is everyone aware that roads-deaths are declining everywhere due to stricter rules, safer cars and higher use of public transport (except for the States perhaps)?
Haven't we been seeing story after story of pedestrians (often children) and those on cycles being killed in hit-and-runs in Japan? Has it not been established that adherence to traffic rules in Japan are terrible e.g. running red lights, speeding and not indicating?
2
T-Mack
What ever the reason "Kudos"...
-1
browny1
While the fall is to be welcomed, Tokyo is not representative of all Japan.
My prefecture has notched up another shameful year, either leading or in the top 3(pro rata) for deaths, injuries and accidents involving pedestrians, bikes, cars.
The thoughtless, the selfish and the down right bewildering actions I see every day makes simple driving in my mid-size city a real chore at times.
And across all age zones.
Shudder, Shudder!
2
Keith Tarrier
I just renewed my license. They guy told us, 80% of motorbike accident deaths in 2012 were due to idiots wearing their helmets wrong, or poor helmets.
We have all seen them, those tiny cap like helmets, worn with the helmet back behind their necks etc.
There are idiots on the road in all countries I visit. Some people never learn.
1
Keith Tarrier
Owenfin, while their are reports of less car usage, the traffic in Tokyo is still nuts at peak times!! The number of trucks needed to service such a large population in such a small space is phenomenal. Add to that the taxis and so many taxi drivers seem 65 or older a decrease is welcome.
Yes more pro bicycle laws and construction rather than the very anti-bicycle views of some Tokyo cities. Build more bike parking, don't tell people not to ride their bike.
1
Yubaru
If you took the two hour class it means you were caught for some offense during your previous license period. Gold card drivers only have a one hour, if that, refresher course.
3
Antonios_M
Great news indeed.
On the one hand, Japanese drivers are better drivers when comparing to most of the drivers in many Asian countries (try China, for example...or even worse, India) and this really appears on the streets. On the other hand though, we all read about some terrible hit-and-run accidents that must have been avoided and I am sure that all of us who are driving in Japan have experienced some reckless behavior from few drivers. So, is there improvement comparing with previous years? Yes, there is. Is there still space for more improvement? Most definitely.
2
BurakuminDes
Tokyo drivers are the best in Japan. They have to be - it's the toughest place to drive! Come up here to the wilds of Tohoku on the other hand - and any Japanese rural joint - and you will witness people running red lights, refusing to stop at zebra crossings, driving as fast as Senna in 50 kp/h zones, and riding cyclists off their mama-charis. Maybe Tokyo people/drivers should educate the rest of Japan?
2
Elbuda Mexicano
Tokyo has the government here in the capital, so with Japanese police every where, it is a no brainer to see that Tokyo is "safer" than other parts of Japan! Just drive in backwards places like OSAKA and it is like a whole different country there. The folk in Osaka make the drivers here in Tokyo look like if they do have some kind of "common sense" so far the WORST drivers in Japan must be there in Osaka, then Nara, Kyoto yes most of Kansai is really, really bad, and DANGEROUS when it comes to driving! So Tokyo is getting "better" nice, but still look both ways before you cross a street here in Tokyo, you just never know what kind of idiot will come flying up a super narrow street meant for 20 KPH but the fool will be "driving" his crap car with NO LIGHTS on at 9pm etc..and if you can not jump out of the way, you may make it to the evening news, for being some random gaijin who got killed by some random Japanese idiot driver, yes here in Tokyo too!
-1
aintgottimetobl
and a little over 4,000 for the entire country
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