Photo: Pakutaso
crime

Police reminding drivers not to perform the illegal 'Ibaraki Dash' maneuver

82 Comments
By SoraNews24

Although Japanese people tend to be stereotyped as extremely courteous and well mannered, there’s something about the act of driving that seems brings out the worst in some people. We recently saw how some use the Conbini Warp to dangerously cut corners in urban areas, but now another traffic violation is taking the spotlight.

Recently the Ibaraki Prefectural Police have taken to social media to raise awareness about the dangers of a driving habit known as the “Ibaraki Dash.” This is when a car makes a right turn across oncoming traffic (Japan drives on the left side of the street) immediately when the light turns green.

▼ Dash cam recording of an “Ibaraki Dash” in Tochigi Prefecture; watch the van on the right that’s creeping into the intersection as far as possible on a red light.

The reason the Ibaraki Police are using the self-deprecating nickname for this act is that it is said to occur more often in Ibaraki Prefecture than elsewhere. However, it’s not alone as other pockets of Japan also struggle with the same problem under different names. In Nagano Prefecture it’s called the “Matsumoto Run” (Matsumoto Hashiri) after Matsumoto City, and in Ehime Prefecture it seems to take place frequently in Iyo City and has earned the name “Iyo’s Early Turn.”

Whatever you want to call it, the police would like everyone to know that the Ibaraki Dash isn’t just against guidelines, it’s breaking the law. Anyone caught doing it is clearly violating Article 37 of the Road Traffic Act which explicitly states that: “When a vehicle turns right at an intersection, the vehicle must not interfere with the progress of other vehicles.” Anyone caught doing so can be fined up to 6,000 yen, or more for special types of vehicles.

Netizens agree that it’s a reckless and selfish habit that needs to go, though some wonder if it’s unfairly putting Ibaraki in a bad light.

“What if there’s a pedestrian crossing the street?”

“It’s likely an oncoming car would also start suddenly, so it’s a pretty dumb idea.”

“‘Ibaraki Dash’ is a clever name, but it’s unfairly blaming the people there for something that’s done all over Japan.”

“I don’t mind it. It’s crowded in the morning so I understand why people do it.”

“I ride a motorcycle and I get scared in Ibaraki. That’s why I got a camera installed.”

“I’ve always called it the Nagoya Run.”

“It’s a serious problem, but that name is in bad taste.”

“It’s the worst for motorcycles because they don’t necessarily have to crash. Just a sudden stop can lead to a serious accident.”

“I see a truck do it once in a while. That’s really scary.”

Although it isn’t fair to single out one region in particular, there is some data to back up the driving situation in Ibaraki. In a 2016 survey by the Japan Automobile Federation, residents of each prefecture were asked to rate the manners of their own drivers. About 67 percent of Ibaraki residents rated their own driving etiquette as “very bad,” putting it third among the highest percentages of self-rated “very bad” ratings for Japan’s 47 prefectures.

▼ Another Ibaraki Dash caught on camera. Note how the driver is listening to a song performed live and just after the dash is complete the audience starts cheering.

But even with this data, the question of whether or not Ibaraki is truly a hotbed of bad driving remains largely conjecture. Because of this, possible reasons for widespread bad driving remain a mystery.

Source: Ibaraki Shimbun, Itai News

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Ibaraki Airport mulls name change to “Tokyo Ibaraki Airport” despite not being in Tokyo

-- Japanese survey finds only 23 percent of vehicles stop for pedestrians at crosswalks

-- Japanese university lecturer arrested for assaulting…an ambulance

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

82 Comments
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I've certainly done all of those, and when in a light Kei, was master of the 'Ibaraki dash' manoeuvre. Round the corner while the other cars were still taking their foot of the brake.

It sounds dangerous, but at the right junction it works. I think it has something to do with the layout of Japanese roads - I have never done this on UK roads.

-4 ( +17 / -21 )

If anyone else here drives daily, they will understand why people do it. (although the usual theme on this site is non-drivers bleating on about how driving is a privilege and other such rot. It's not a privilege, its a legal right).

Anyway, it takes forever to turn right, especially stuck far down the queue behind some overly cautious oldies who want the entire road to be clear before they will even enter the junction (even those junctions clearly marked with a filter to follow and wait in the middle of it like you're supposed to). And then even when you do get a chance there are pedestrians ambling across looking at the phone... Taking forever... And just 2 cars get through.

After waiting for 3 or 4 cycles when you're just 7 or 8 cars back it's just too tempting.

Traffic lights here are terrible. Not well thought out at all. Why have pedestrians and cars at the same time? No traffic lights in the UK are like this and traffic flow is a thousand times better. Pedestrians and cars rarely worry about each other because if its green, you go. But also... In UK traffic lights have had sensors for decades so they don't change unless they need to... You don't have to worry about some mother with 2 kids on the bike cycling on the wrong side of the road... And roundabouts (traffic circles to some of you). They are amazing and again keep everything flowing.

Its the poor, rigid design of traffic management here that causes drivers to lose their patience and take chances.

11 ( +27 / -16 )

Time to get rid of some of these traffic signals and put in some roundabouts. It's frustrating driving in Japan with all the stops.

20 ( +26 / -6 )

Japan drive on the correct side of road. For millennia Japan have travel on the left of the track when pass another traveller. This custom is due to the wearing of the Katana on the left hip so he can draw his katana and and make a blow in one single motion. If you pass by on the right the drawing the blow of the katana is in two motion and a slow menouver. Hence passing on the left was a practice that would save your life.

-18 ( +6 / -24 )

Nagoya is quite infamous for cars continuing to turn right even up to over five seconds after the light has turned red.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

@RareReason: Can you provide any reference to Japanese law that supports your claim that operating a vehicle is a citizen's right? It appears to me that the whole licensing process presupposes it is a privilege that is granted and thus can also be removed.

Perhaps a little less hyperbole would be better for meaningful conversation... because the rest of your comment is spot-on regarding the traffic management in Japan!

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Many Japanese driver too slow to move. Japan lights change by clock timer not sensars.

In Europe circles are scary in first but I learn them in a day and think very good. Cars keep moving very well. Very less annoy.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Netizens agree that it’s a reckless and selfish habit that needs to go...

Agreed.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

@mninyoko

There is no such thing as a privilege. If you meet the legal requirements for a licence you will be granted one, no matter who you are.

If you break the legal requirements it will be revoked.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Do Japanese have curb on street or house right on the right of way

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Few coppers are going to intervene to levy a 6000 yen fine and nobody is going to decline to do something that might - very rarely - cost them a 6000 yen fine. If you want to prevent something from happening, the minimum fine needs to be 100,000 yen, which is around $1000. A plod will get his notebook out for that sort of fine and folk will not do things if it might cost them that much. Doesn't matter what it is - right turns, U-turns, playing Pokémon whilst riding a motorbike or juggling with kittens. Small fines are pointless.

As your mother may have told you, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing properly. That includes levying fines.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

...the van on the right that’s creeping into the intersection

That's called a "French stop."

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I have always thought busy intersections should be widened and have some form of shoulder gap/ pass road to allow vehicles continuing straight to keep moving. Most drivers are cognizant of that block in traffic movement hence the dash maneuver. Surely a dangerous act, and if it's a common occurrence it means there is more which needs to be done than just extending the draconian hand of the law.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Taxi's and Trucks are the most violators, i see them do them many times . and by the way I have noticed that Japanese drivers in general get much worse at night when you can't see their faces.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

As some have posted already, it often takes a long time to turn right at lights in Japan. Quite often its because the oncoming drivers don't slowdown when the light turns yellow, but instead speed up. So the lane turning right, even if the signal is green to turn, you still end up waiting for a few cars to get through the intersection because they have run the yellow light. And yes, its often Taxi's, Trucks (Kei trucks too) and Crown Athletes.

So, basically there is lots of frustration with people's driving behavior in Japan, however, if you have ever witnessed the chaos in Vietnam or Thailand with how people drive there, you'll realize that everyone just needs to be more patient and take a deep breath.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

An intersection near home is unusually wide. Cars turning right travel less than cars going straight in the opposite direction.

Two cars, without speeding, can make the right turn before the other cars get half way through the intersection.

I once made it with a police car following me. Scary until he peeled off.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

*There is no such thing as a privilege. If you meet the legal requirements for a licence you will be granted one, no matter who you are.*

If you break the legal requirements it will be revoked.

Thats the very definition of a privilege.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Thats the very definition of a privilege.

No it isn't. And not sure what your trying to prove.

Google it...

https://www.google.com/search?q=privilege

The right is granted regardless of status or discretion.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Pah . The Internet generally disagrees with me after more googling.

Fine, I concede.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Japan could easily impress the world with smart traffic signals, and fewer of them.

The current system is an emissions (don't forget carcinogenic brake and tyre dust) nightmare with wholesale unnecessary acceleration and braking, not to mention driver stress and resultant behaviours.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

This is a Nagoya run. Along with the Nagoya u-turn. It was always called Nagoya run no matter where I lived. Northern Japan, Kyushu, north of Tokyo....Most called it the Nagoya run. I have also heard Nagoya dash, but that is quite rare

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Some major reasons for this type of behaviour.

1-) no turn signal/very short turn turn signal.

2-) instead of a turn signal or flashing green light to notify that it is now a turn priority, Japan has this very bad habit of just found red one way and you have to guess that you have a turn priority.

3-) nearly zero time between when the pedestrian crossing signal turns red and the road signal turns red. Meaning even if you have no traffic coming in the other direction, you cannot turn because pedestrians and of course the sudden bicycle dash into the pedestrian crossing.

And now my biggest frustration the fool that is first in line taking off at a turtle pace on the turn signal so that only 1 or 2 cars get through and this is often because they are using their smartphones while at the light.

What is needed is a uniform rule of turn signals and a reasonable length for turning.

But I bet we could eliminate the national debt and delays at intersections with traffic lights by placing police on every major corner giving out tickets for smartphone use.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Japanese drivers need to call out poor driving by using their horns more. And the cops need to do their damn jobs.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

This is now endemic where I live. Drivers do it even when people are trying to walk across the crosswalk - scares the heck out of them. I always play a game when I'm in front and going straight - take off right away and block that driver with my own car to protect the pedestrians (and use the horn if necessary). True - having more right turn lights (arrows) for drivers would help, but it's a shame that the cops don't try to do anything about this nefarious practice. (They must be too busy sipping tea in the koban.)

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Some idiot drivers are on their phones when the light changes, I'm not going to wait for the to decide to move.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Japan has this very bad habit of just found red one way and you have to guess that you have a turn priority.

As is the case to turn right at an AEON Mall in Ota, Gunma. The turning lane is often backed up for a good 500 meters because there is no right turn signal, just a red for oncoming traffic. Drivers often spend a good 15 seconds wondering if its safe to turn. I've done it myself a few times. Why they don't put in a right turn signal is beyond me.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

but it's a shame that the cops don't try to do anything about this nefarious practice. (They must be too busy sipping tea in the koban.)

Let's be fare, the police are not "sipping tea in the Koban" they are very busy doing very important work checking bicycle registrations.

(Sarcasm off)

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Why they don't put in a right turn signal is beyond me.

My friend now my age works for the government road infrastructure, Today graduate, but from Nagano.

When he joined that section, he couldn't believe the crazy things they came up with.

He would say "don't you think that is a bad design and dangerous" " would you feel safe driving in that intersection, expressway exit/entrance,etc...?".

The reply said it all not one person in the section even had a driver's license, he was the only one that actually drove.

So what is very prominent in Japan are people making decisions based on "practicality" of design and construction ( expressway entrances and exits crossing eachother) and cost ( no dedicated turn signal) but have no practical experience driving.

I went to our ward office because the corner near my place is exactly the type you described, ( on coming traffic just stops and you need to guess you have turning priority).

This corner is notorious for accidents.

I asked the senior manager of the road section if he thought it was safe and has he driven in this location.

His reply didn't surprise me, he doesn't drive or have a driver's license.

It would be like someone designing computer programs but has no idea or knowledge of how to use a computer.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

If you have read comments above this one you will no doubt note there is a NUMBER of things happening at intersections fir ALL drivers whether going straight or turning either direction that contribute to dangerous driving habits.

One more little bit that has away bothered me about intersections WITH right hand turn arrows is that when the straight through has turned RED it will often return to)(or another light) turn YELLOW before the RIGHT ARROW turns green......this has always baffled me & no doubt some drivers going STRAIGHT will have NOT seen their light turn RED but see another YELLOW & go through......

I think we can all agree too many intersections are poorly designed, the light settings are awful, fines too low & cops are NEVER around until AFTER there is an accident then they are out in force........

Stay safe!

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Surfer Kenta: around about can cause traffic problems if they are not constructed correctly. If constructed correctly the drive approaching the a roundabout Can see the car traveling towards you but can view the driver approaching from left or right. Blocking the view stop those over cautious drive of stopping until the drive is passing.As for Japanese being slow driver and slow speed limits are due the large elderly population. By dropping to 40km limit the elderly driver is more confident of driving so can keep driving into a older age then most countries that have 50km limits . This this save taxes on providing transportation for the elderly

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Ahhh, welcome to the joys of driving in any urban Japanese environment: Traffic lights every 100m, pedestrians crossing at the same time as vehicles turn left/right, arrows for turning right that only stay green for about 5 seconds and no traffic circles (roundabouts) to keep the traffic flowing because apparently they're are 'kowai' and 'muzukashii'.

And yes, traffic lights are green, not blue.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

A day seldom goes by when I'm watching pedestrians blithely strolling in the crosswalk texting on their smartphones, while the traffic piles up. At times like this, I'm in awe of the forbearance of drivers for not sounding their horns, or even running those idiots down.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

I've certainly done all of those,

im not going to lie ive done this on occasions, people who drive regular know the reason, J drivers have all the time in the world when driving even during peak hr traffic , add to that all the traffic backlogged and the red light bandits, the only cars that can make the turn are the 1 or 2 cars that are currently in the intersection.

thank god I live in a rural area, never have to do this turn, only ever done it when im in the city

4 ( +6 / -2 )

A day seldom goes by when I'm watching pedestrians blithely strolling in the crosswalk texting on their smartphones, 

dont get me started, for a country that's meant to be courteous, ive lost count how many times pedestrian dawdle across the crossing even when they can clearly see the huge backlog of cars waiting to take the turn. At times I beep them, and they look at you puzzled like what am I doing wrong!?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

 I was pulled over on a side street and non inconveniencing other traffic.

another peeve of driving in Japan, J drivers having a bumper bender accident, and just parking on the main road causing a massive traffic jam, when their is a side road not even 10m away. facepalm

3 ( +5 / -2 )

dont get me started, for a country that's meant to be courteous, ive lost count how many times pedestrian dawdle across the crossing even when they can clearly see the huge backlog of cars waiting to take the turn. At times I beep them, and they look at you puzzled like what am I doing wrong!?

unless their light is flashing or red, they can take as long as they like. i'd give you a look too (and not a puzzled one) if you beeped me on a green. Do you beep at slow toddlers and the elderly, too? You're not "the One" you know.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Traffic lights in Japan:

Green = go

Yellow = go faster

Blue (Green) = Only five more cars

5 ( +8 / -3 )

unless their light is flashing or red, they can take as long as they like. i'd give you a look too (and not a puzzled one) if you beeped me on a green. Do you beep at slow toddlers and the elderly, too? You're not "the One" you know.

Just yesterday this guy stopped in the middle of the crosswalk, he sat there looking at his phone either reading or texting.

Stayed like that until the crossing signal turned red, even then didn't move, only after cars started beeping did he look up and then slowly still staring at his phone proceeded to get out of the way.

By that time the light for us to go has turned red again.

This is no longer an unusual thing, this guy was not old, not a toddler, just another self absorbed idiot that thinks his texting or smartphone game, etc...is more important than anything else around and we have to be extra careful driving because they feel they have this right.

The next ward over has sings forbidding smoking and walking and gives fines out, now it has sings forbidding texting or using smartphones while watching and as of next April doing so could cost you a ¥2,000 fine.

The reason is because the number of accidents especially on the very major road has gone up 20 times and deaths 10 times nearly all caused by people walking and texting not checking the traffic light and walking right into fast moving traffic.

2 years ago I watched this guy walk right infront of a city bus turning the corner, the crosswalk light was red, he didn't even look up from his phone just walked out.

Even as the bus going really slow tried stopping he went under, never let go of his phone, he survived and as the ambulance was getting ready to take him to the hospital, he started asking where is his phone.

People have become dumber expecting everyone and everything to look out for them.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Why are lines for making the stop not going as far as possible just in front of crosswalks (for no physical reasons)?

Why are traffic ligths not at level of where you make the stop ?

Why no round abouts ?

Why a yellow signal before getting green ?

Why accepting so many old dangerous drivers ? (Your speed needs to adapt to your environment, driving slow all the time is a sign of inability to drive safely).

Why side pedestrians to cross always same time as the flow of vehicles ? (Most of the time way too long).

I estimate in my country that twice as many cars go through a crossroad than in Japan for same time on average.

People, don't forget that safe does not mean slow all the time, and that productivity is associated a lot with time loss (time not spent with family, or simply resting).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Doesn’t help when cops aren’t patrolling the streets in cruisers, as they should.

If given the chance, when I see jokers trying to do this at an intersection, and I’m crossing on a bicycle, I definitely try to take my time so they have to stop and ultimately block traffic.

The Japanese license tests are designed to see if people can follow a made up driving course and pay the fees, not designed to teach people how to drive in real life.

So they should also investigate the DMV, for giving licenses to any moron that pays a substantial amount of money.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japanese traffic light system is so great that could succeed to have pedestrian and cars crossing the same space at the same time.

(Sarcasm off)

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Jonathan PrinToday  01:26 pm JST

The answer to all of that and the rest is that there is no National or prefectural standard.

Stop signs can be tiny, full size, on the left or right or even up 3 stories high ( like at one end of my street the stop sign is on the power pole at the height of the 3rd floor window of the building on the corner.)

Traffic lights can be located wherever the city planners ( who offer don't have a driver's license) think it will fit best even if the light ends up right above or even behind the stop line.

It is a wonder that there aren't more things like in the article, one place near my home after 23:00 you have to get out of your car and press the button to make the traffic light change to green if not it remains red until 6:00 the next morning a one way street but the button is on the passenger side and you really have to know it is there, so most cars after a while just run the red light.

Ask a police officer if you can park in a parking metre space after they are off and odds are even they cannot answer because the instructions and signage varies for city/ward to city/wards, each making up their own rules.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Last I checked, pedestrians have right of way, especially at a crosswalk. Don't like it? Change the law.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

If given the chance, when I see jokers trying to do this at an intersection, and I’m crossing on a bicycle

Why are you in a pediatrician crossing on a bicycle?

Are you over 65, a mother with child in child seat?

Under the road laws you are supposed to follow the same flow of traffic and all the traffic signals.

If you are doing as you say then you are just as much in violation of the road traffic laws as the guy jumping the light.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

*- unless their light is flashing or red, **they can take as long as they like...*

Just yesterday this guy stopped in the middle of the crosswalk, he sat there looking at his phone either reading or texting.

Stayed like that until the crossing signal turned red, even then didn't move, only after cars started beeping did he look up and then slowly still staring at his phone proceeded to get out of the way.

I dont believe you, but that's not what i described at all. good story though.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

A day seldom goes by when I'm watching pedestrians blithely strolling in the crosswalk texting on their smartphones, while the traffic piles up. At times like this, I'm in awe of the forbearance of drivers for not sounding their horns, or even running those idiots down.

I deliberately slow down when I cross in front of people that look frustrated behind the wheel

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I deliberately slow down when I cross in front of people that look frustrated behind the wheel

ha. me too, if its my right of way. I also stop if they are edging onto the pedestrain crossing. And when the driver behind me is tail gating in order to get through the intersection, having pushed the yellow/run the red.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

That the pedestrian always have the right of way is actually false

If ya look closely at the driving rules of your local jurisdictions, there's typically a carefully worded statement that sounds like this:

“The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter."*

“The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”*

*“This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety.”

A driver approaching a pedestrian, within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, must: use due care, and

reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Note, though, that the law does impose a similar duty on pedestrians.

Pedestrians may not run in in the path of a vehicle or oncoming traffic on the road so as to cause an immediate hazard. Further, pedestrians must continue walking when in a crosswalk. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

"Due care" - defense lawyers have commonly used this part of the law in defense of their driver clients. So don't go thinking that the pedestrian's right of way is absolute

1 ( +5 / -4 )

SophiaHernandezToday  03:12 pm JST

Like I care if you do or not.

My wife was in the car and I can say this was not the first time I have seen this.

This is why some municipality are enacting no texting while walking.

I have seen a guy walk right into a stopped police car while walking and staring at his phone.

The police were driving this guy was walking right towards them in the middle of the road they even called out on the loudspeaker, they stopped he just kept on walking until he walked right into the police car.

Hilarious, the police look stunned.

Look around you, look at the zombies staring at their phones.

Now think if what I described is really not possible.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

SophiaHernandezToday  12:23 pm JST

Explain how you would be in the pedestrian crossing?

If the light is red for the cars and the light turns green and the car tries a dash turn as it changes green, if you are following the law then you are also waiting for the light to turn green.

Are you also trying to take off before the light for crossing is green.

It makes not sense you would already be in the crossing unless like many cyclists you are not following the traffic laws and running a red light.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

ChabbawangaToday  03:49 pm JST

And

SophiaHernandezToday  04:21 pm JST

So in other words, you both think you are better and like deliberately causing unnecessary inconvenience and trouble for others.

You do realise that many of these people are working.

I get just keep going on your way but to deliberately slow down just to cause trouble. And you both think you are great for doing this.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I do this all the time, since the average Japanese driver is so slow off the mark when the lights change!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

It makes not sense you would already be in the crossing unless like many cyclists you are not following the traffic laws and running a red light.

Your floundering. Hilarious. none of that is what i said. if people try to push in front of me when its my right of way, I slow down. if they can make it past me without obstructing me it doesn't bother me in the slightest. why would it?

You do realise that many of these people are working.

So them getting to work five seconds earlier is more important than my safety. pull your head in mate.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I have seen a guy walk right into a stopped police car while walking and staring at his phone.

The police were driving this guy was walking right towards them in the middle of the road they even called out on the loudspeaker, they stopped he just kept on walking until he walked right into the police car.

I call BS on that too. you seem to have lots of personl anecdotes to prove your points. i've never seen anything like what you describe and drive 5000 miles every day. so there.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Sounds like there is a dire need of roundabouts!

Not to mention a logical approach to traffic management, including pedestrians and cyclists!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Meant to add, thank god I drive in the UK!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I've done this on numerous occasions. If I'm going to hold up a whole line of cars and I have a chance to turn before the other cars start going, it seems like it's a good thing that will help the flow of traffic. I didn't know it was illegal.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

J-cops always hangout at stop signs when they should be more at traffic lights

0 ( +2 / -2 )

i agree traffic lights here are horribly set and drivers are so passive...even if there's a turn light..drivers wait and

wait..can't make a damn decision.... so passive.

.I don't see if you turn quickly and don't obstruct traffic..how can that be traffic infraction?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

You said when these driving do the Ibaraki dash you blocked them and slow down.

when?

You also said when on bicycle in the crosswalk.

when?

youre arguing with the voices in your head.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Former Ibaraki resident (and driver) here. Thanks to work, I've probably driven more in Ibaraki than 99% of users on this site. I have no doubt that this happens elsewhere in Japan, but this is absolutely a thing and it's very obnoxious. If you're going straight at a light, and the other driver is doing a "dash", you have no choice but to wait til that joker clears the intersection, even though you have the right of way. And remember, most of Ibaraki is vast swathes of inaka and run-down nothingness, so it's not like there are a ton of pedestrians or traffic jams at lights. People are just plain impatient.

Don't even get me started on the yellow/red light situation (yellow means speed up, red means one or two cars can still get through the intersection). As some have mentioned, cutting down on unnecessary intersections would likely help, as it seems that there's a traffic light every 100~200m or so. (Still not an excuse, though.)

And what's the big hurry in the end? Your "reward" for getting through the intersection faster in Ibaraki will be... more inaka. Enjoy?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

If you're going straight at a light, and the other driver is doing a "dash", you have no choice but to wait til that joker clears the intersection, even though you have the right of way.

Sounds like an easy way to get a new car. If they cross the center line and hit you, they are 100% at fault - especially when you have the right of way.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Kids tricks. Nothing to see here.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The problem, at least in my tiny Japanese town, is dumb lights! No co-ordinated flow across an urban area according to morning or afternoon flow requirements! .......Sorry, I know I've lost you in Japan.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

That's standard procedure in Shanghai, perfectly acceptable ^_^ I was mystified why my stepdaughter did that during her drivers license test in the US, failing it on the spot :( until I visited Shanghai where she was born and spent her early years. Then I understood why she did it. I guess there isn't enough room on the street for a protected right turn notch and a green arrow to control the turns.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Sounds like an easy way to get a new car. If they cross the center line and hit you, they are 100% at fault - especially when you have the right of way.

I hear what you're saying, but in the case of an accident I always expect the Japanese police to take the side of the Japanese driver over the foreigner, so not sure how that would work out in the end. Better just to avoid the mess altogether.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

This is long overdue…. I’m sick of all the rules that are not followed or enforced. Time to be proactive instead of reactive as usual. The only time rules are enforced is when there’s been an accident caused by 1 of these dangerous drivers …. Then a week later, back to the same habits …..

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

They haven't produced any statistics for our analysis to support the assertion that the practice warrants attention, let own a title. Logic say's the smooth and orderly flow of traffic allowing progress in congested areas is incumbent on a driver as long as it's done with courtesy and safety towards other road users. The danger in this practice is for J walkers and boy racer's dragging off at the lights. So if these habits are well policed and not in general use the risks involved are negligible regardless of how some people feel about others appearing to gain an advantage. With a little consideration, respect as well patients - pollution, ware and tare, frayed nerves as well precious time can be saved. But having said that, you get the ticket - you pay the fee. People who can't understand that loose property and eventually go to jail for noncompliance, not the driving offence. News releases like this are designed to demonize people who are just going about there business and the danger in the practice is for our youth who can feel aggrieved and be tricked into a lifestyle of noncompliance where they become accustomed to not adhering to the norm's of society where they pay dearly for it...

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

What do you call a driver who’s stopped at an intersection and seems to be waiting for you to pass, and then they slowly roll out in front of you right when you’re about to drive through? It really drives me crazy.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I don't care what your reason is. It's dangerous, regardless of whether you're a Japanese driver or gaijin driver.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Make the punishment 6,000万円 and the number of cases will quickly shrink significantly. lol

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

There is a way to combat this situation, its called a camera, these cameras can be mounted on top of the traffic light or mounted on a post at the junction, the camera is activated when the red light is lit, so any one going through the junction when they should not, has the cars picture taken with its licence plate, with the time and speed. These cameras are very good resolution quality even at night time, then the driver/owner is sent a fine directly in the post, giving them 14 days to pay X ammount of yen.

In the Uk we have system that allows driver to screw upto 12 penalty points before your licence is suspended for 6 months, or 12 months, or even longer depending on the serverity of the reason you got the 12 points. Drink driving is an auto matic 12 points then you have to resit your driving test again. usually you get 3 points for low speeding, jumping red lights 3 points, speeding through red lights above the limit for that road could be 6 points, using your mobile other than hands free carries a 6 points and a £200 fine (30000 yen fine) ouch!

the penalty points stop on your licence for 5 years! but they are spent afte 3 years. these points affect your insurance, so it pays to drive better and more cautiously.

Does Japan have asystem like this? if not maybe they should alter there system.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

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