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2 die in Saitama expressway crash

34 Comments

Two people died after a large truck hit a station wagon on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, on Wednesday night.

According to police, the accident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. The station wagon was rear-ended by the truck and then crashed into the guard rail, resulting in a fire which killed the driver and a passenger, Fuji TV reported. Police say they were unable to ascertain the ages or genders of the deceased.

The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old man, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Police say that the section of the expressway was closed until 4:45 a.m. Thursday

Police are currently questioning the truck driver to ascertain the cause of the accident.

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34 Comments
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11:30pm? Zzzzz

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I really, really don't trust truck drivers. I've seen some really good candidates to the Darwin Awards speeding away on the highway.

Rest in Peace to the three victims of this accident. Let's see if the driver was drunk, sleepy, or talking/texting on his cellphone at the time.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Too many possible reasons for this accident to make a guess as to the cause - except for one... Unfortunately the truck driver is going to be a fault for not maintaining a safe distance, no matter WHAT the circumstances are. Even if the car suddenly locked-up their brakes in the middle of the expressway, drivers are expected to allow enough room to avoid that. (I know, nobody does it, but that's what's expected and that's what the police base fault on.)

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Tailgating and overtaking on the inside are two of the most dangerous acts you see on the highways every day, as drivers impatiently try to keep to schedules; along with underpowered keicars and keitrucks slowing down traffic and struggling to stay in lane due to winds. Details are not in, but I'd hazard a guess and suggest that the truck driver was tailgating to try to get past, or as fadamor has written, just not maintaining a safe distance.

Ironically, if you do try to maintain a safe distance, another car or truck will suddenly jump in front of you, forcing you to slow down to keep the distance.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

no matter WHAT the circumstances are

Actually, I was in a similar accident last month on the expressway where I rear-ended another car and we both ended up crashing into the guard rail. I was driving in the overtaking lane with no cars ahead of me and the next moment all I remember is a huge BANG and my car swerving to the right and a car in front of me spinning out of control.

The car I crashed into either failed to check his rear view mirror before switching to the overtaking lane, or he fell asleep at the wheel and drifted into my lane - either way, there was no way I could have prevented it driving at 100+ km/h.

What really annoyed me is that the police automatically accused me of wrong doing because I hit him. Despite telling them the other car came into my lane, the other driver denied it, and with no evidence proving the initial point of impact, they said I will have to accept responsibility. Still, I'm lucky to be alive so shouldn't really be complaining about what my insurance is going to cost next year...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I do agree with Fadamor and wanderlust though... there are too many dangerous drivers on the expressways. RIP to the poor people in the stationwagon.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

papasmurfinjapan, do it like the Russians do, dash cam in your car. If you drive a lot, it might be a good idea.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Police are currently questioning the truck driver to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Probably very poor driving ability and total lack of care and observation for other (smaller) road users.. Why do i say this??? Because I see idiotic, dangerous and bully truck drivers EVERY TIME I drive or ride..

-3 ( +1 / -5 )

@ PeaceWarrior

Cheers, something I'll definitely look into.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@PeaceWarrior...

Dash cam's do not help... I tried that on a few occasions using my motorcycle HD helmet cam fixed to the dashboard in my car. I reported very aggressive and dangerous driving truck drivers to the police with my video evidence (at different police stations)...

Guess what??? They showed no interest in my evidence. Even had the cheek to tell to be careful....

This is why the driving standards are very poor. A police force who shows no interest in policing, preventing or even prosecuting dangerous drivers...

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Dash cam's do not help.

There is a world of difference in using it as evidence in your own accident and running around playing CHIPs and expecting the police to thank you for it.

The most surprising thing about this article is that they did not arrest the truck driver immediately but are just asking questions of him. I would like to think they are using some sense, but I expect they are just being inconsistent.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

JAF (Japan Auto Fed) offer DoraDora drive recorders, fitted on to the windscreen by your mirror, which can record 15 seconds before and 15 seconds after an incident, along with associated g-forces, and can also be triggered manually. I'm building up quite a collection of poor driving clips...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

If you hit the back of that car, papasmurfinjapan, that means that car had enough time to pull in front of you, no matter how abrupt. Cars don't change lanes in the blink of an eye. If he had "drifted over" then you're definitely at fault. You'd have a better argument if the other car hit your front fender first.

They used to have a defensive driving Public Service ad here in the States that had the tagline, "Watch out for the OTHER guy." In short, be constantly scanning the situation and evaluate what's the stupidest thing another driver could do at that moment. I don't know your exact situation, but you were doing 100kph in the passing lane and I'm going to guess the car you hit was behind another vehicle and moving quite a bit slower (otherwise, why would he abruptly pull into the passing lane?). Anytime I'm overtaking a tandem of vehicles at a high closure rate, I'm ALWAYS expecting the rear one to jump out in front of me. It's saved my butt numerous times. Had you been doing that, you would have flagged that situation and watched the trailing car like a hawk. As soon as he started over the lane markers, you would have been on your brakes.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@ Fadamor,

I hit the car's right taillight, which knocked it off balance and into a spin. He had only just started pulling into my lane.

I was driving in a curving tunnel during GW, my lane going about 100 or so, the other lane quite full of cars probably going around 80-90. I did not have direct line of sight of every single car in front of me in the other lane. Could I have been more vigilant, checking every single car going past, whist also keeping my eye in front of me and slowly curving around the corner? Perhaps I could have, but was the accident completely my fault and preventable? I seriously doubt that.

Anyway, the point was that just because the truck driver rear-ended another car, doesn't necessarily mean it is the one in the wrong. (Though it most probably is).

2 ( +3 / -1 )

They used to have a defensive driving Public Service ad here in the States that had the tagline, "Watch out for the OTHER guy."

And they never bothered telling me who that guy was.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

that car had enough time to pull in front of you, no matter how abrupt.

Now matter how abrupt?? Aren't you the same Fadamor that was talking about safe following distance? There is a reason for safe following distance and the reason is because HOW ABRUPT does count! It is entirely possible for someone to pull in front of you without giving you the time to think, let alone react. And no one is expected to maintain a safe following distance when passing!

You dabble in absolutes far too much Fadamor. The circumstance described might require microseconds of perfect timing to occur, but it does happen. The microsecond part explains why its rare, but does not mean it doesn't happen. It does. And another thing, too many drivers anywhere in the world either don't signal a lane change or do it at the same instant they make the change, which is useless.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

yeah... I don't get it. The speed limits in Japan are ludicrously low. And even more crazy is that people follow the speed limits here almost to a fault. BUT then they will stay about 1 meter length apart. THAT is MORE dangerous than driving TWICE the speeding limit with an appropriate distance between vehicles. SO DANGEROUS. I will pass huge lines of cars driving like that. and they probably think I am such a crazy A hole for passing and driving "so fast", but I dont want to be anywhere near a "death train" like that if I can help it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The speed limits in Japan are ludicrously low.

What! I would like to see them lowered even further, especially on local roads. However, it doesn't seem to make any difference what the speed limit is cos most driver speed anyway. And, of course, the j-flops are too busy checking bicycle registrations to get out and set up speed traps. Plus, the only speed traps I have seen set up by the flops have been on main roads simply for the sake of revenue intake.

From the incidents I have witnessed driving around Japan I have no doubt the truck driver was at fault. He was probably texting or shaving or, my personal favorite, had a newspaper spread across the steering wheel.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I agree with Robert. I see these tailgating "conveys" everyday and don't get it! I avoid these accidents-waiting-to-happen almost on a daily basis. Guess "follow the leader" takes precedence over driving defensively. :-( As for the three who died, RIP.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Disillusioned

What! I would like to see them lowered even further, especially on local roads.

What slower than 30 or 40km/h. Next thing you will want to go back to the old days of having someone walk in front with a flag to warn people.

Here is a scary fact for you, road accidents are not always the fault of the driver. Despite the thinking of the police.... Sometimes the pedestrian or cyclist are to blame. So rather than lower a already low speed limit educate other road users and hold them accountable for their own actions. Like slowing and checking traffic before flying across intersections on their bikes.

From the incidents I have witnessed driving around Japan I have no doubt the truck driver was at fault. He was probably texting or shaving or, my personal favorite, had a newspaper spread across the steering wheel.

Or as you see time and again tailgating which they love doing here. Nothing that a tap on the brakes doesnt correct though.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Inattention and carelessness is the cause here nothing else.

Slam this truckie and make an example of what will happen to these truck driving jerks who run the highways of japan like its an xbox racing game.

Time the authorities started educating these truckies and making them take the job seriously and drive like the professionals they like to think they are.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There are too many question marks about this accident for us to get any real idea of what happened and assign more than a small amount of blame to any party. Short of the station wagon suddenly swerving in front of the truck or it slamming on its breaks, suddenly, I'm sort of thinking the truck was probably following too close -- I see it all the time. Again, though, no way of knowing unless the truck driver confesses to being at fault. RIP to the three who died.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

there are many apps (some free) to use your smartphone as a drive recorder, and with most phones the video quality is WAY better than any 20,000yen~ JAF camera, you just need a 980yen~ suction mount to the window and you can also use it as a GPS at the same time with some of the apps. I tested some with my galaxy nexus and it was even OK at night.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

While driving on a surface road once, a huge truck began tailgating me. I gave my son instructions to call 110 to ask for assistance and all they said was move over and let the truck pass. Tailgating is an automatic fine in many countries but Japan does not have such a law as far as I know. It takes a rear end collision and possible death to you and family before the tailgater is punished, that is if he survives the crash. Possible punishment, loss of drivers license, a fine for causing an accident resulting in death.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What really annoyed me is that the police automatically accused me of wrong doing because I hit him. Despite telling them the other car came into my lane, the other driver denied it, and with no evidence proving the initial point of impact, they said I will have to accept responsibility. Still, I'm lucky to be alive so shouldn't really be complaining about what my insurance is going to cost next year...

Wasn't there any eyewitnesses about? In RTCs its very worthwhile trying to get eyewitness accounts because that would back you up. I tend to now have a cam placed in my cars while driving cos compared to the UK driving in Japan can be pretty scary at times because of all the idiots. Thankfully I've got good hazard perception and quick reactions but even I'm just waiting for when a idiot causes a crash.

But onto the story. It would be interesting to know what circumstances caused this. At 23.30 I'd expect that he was tired and lost concentration at the wheel when he started nodding off. Either that or he just wasn't paying attention to what was ahead of him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Cletus - have you ever walked along a single lane road with no footpath and had some penis-cranium fly past you clipping your elbow at 30-40 k/p/h? It happens to me two or three times a month! Driving a car is not a right! It is a responsibilty!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@Disillusioned. In that situation what I do and what I teach my kids to do is stop, get as far left as possible and look at the car. I'm always listening for cars, and looking back periodically. I'd rather be watching and knowing how close the car is.

And if it happens to you 2 to 3 times a month then maybe there's something wrong with the way you walk. Never happened to me in 20 years here.

Walking along a road is also a responsibility - to yourself!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I got the right rear blown off my car by a tailgating sports car. We were out on an unlit country back road (out past Olympic Golf Club for anybody in Hyogo ;-D) and I noticed the car in front of me putting their high beams on frequently. I slowed slightly and allowed 2-3 car widths of distance to build between us....I figured they didn't know the road and my SUV's lights would shine right in their low-slung car's back window, and I didn't want to pressure them.

Meanwhile a sports car had been right on my tail for a few hundred meters already (and the road was too narrow to pass) and he was zooming up, backing off, and then zooming up again revving his engine. Just as a raccoon ran out in front of the car in front of me and they slammed on the brakes, and I began to brake as well Mr. Ants in His Pants behind me gunned it and tried to pass me. Horrible timing. Big hole in the rear right and crap dragging on the street. He was livid 'Why did you brake??!!' 'The car in front of me stopped....' 'There's a car in front of you?' and he looked for the first time. Duh.

I see cars following each other ridiculously close in conditions where the front car can't pull over, or stop safely....what's the use? You'll get where you're going, what, 2 minutes sooner?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hate driving on the highway here. Slow cars in the passing lane, those who are ticked off at said cars tailgate them and then pull out into the slow lane abruptly and overtake on that side. Speeding, guys who flip out when a chick starts to pass so they speed up, no indication signals for the most part... If the cops got their butts in gear and actually started doing something to stop this, such as fines, things would be better. I am convinced ticketing traffic violations in this country would get us out of debt!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Disillusioned

Cletus - have you ever walked along a single lane road with no footpath and had some penis-cranium fly past you clipping your elbow at 30-40 k/p/h?

Nope never. Because when lm in that situation l walk on the side of the road into the oncoming traffic so that l can see what is coming towards me and get off the road if need be. And not rely on the driver to avoid the me.

It happens to me two or three times a month! Driving a car is not a right! It is a responsibilty!

As others have said if this infact happens 2 -3 times a month then there is a problem with where you walk. And yes driving is a responsibility. As is riding a bike, walking or anything else you do on a road. Everyone who uses the road is responsible not just the car driver. Maybe its that attitude that gets you hit 2 - 3 times per month

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The speed limits in Japan are ludicrously low. And even more crazy is that people follow the speed limits here almost to a fault.

You're joking right? I drive almost every day and EVERYONE does about 50% over the speed limit. I never see anyone doing the proper speed. Always about 70 in a 50 zone and many people doing over 140 in the 80 limit expressways.

Drivers, in Kanto at least, suck! They NEVER give way, they will risk their lives and the lives of those around them to gain an extra few meters ducking in front of you or "undertaking" as I like to call it. I come from just outside London and I thought they were bad but after 5 years in Japan, I think English drivers are pretty savvy and polite! (for the most part)

@fadamor and papasmurf. I have never had a car accident (touch wood) but if you are sitting in someone's blind spot and they dart out into your lane, I just can't see how you can stop in time. Especially if you are traveling faster than them. I also treat every driver as an idiot, it's the way I was taught and works because I've never had so much as a scratch on the road but that doesn't mean it can't happen out of my control. The person behind is always at fault rule is bull.

Oh, and my blood boils at the fact that if you leave so much as a hair's gap between you and the car in front, someone will slip in.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I should add that we weren't hurt, and I put the back bumper on with duct tape and was on my way, the sports car was demolished, the radiator and battery crushed and fluids leaking out.

The intersection leaving our neighborhood is really dangerous. It's the road that leads to the Shin Kobe Tunnel, so everybody is rushing in the morning and late afternoon, so up to 5 cars or trucks running the light is the rule, not the exception. A couple of years ago our son saw an accident on his way to school. A 'one-box' kei went out into the intersection on the green light, and was promptly hit broadside by a dump truck going about 70, running the light. DS was horrified to see the kei car come up off the street and roll three times. I have no idea why the driver had nothing but a few scratches, she was lucky!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Tons of idiotic driver stories: tailgating, extreme speeding, erratic lane-changing, ad infinitum. It's a "me first" derby. It's scary, especially with big trucks speeding along in the overtaking lane. Stricter patrolling of the expressways would help.

When I drive, I avoid the overtaking lane as much as possible.

Odds are the trucker is truly at fault.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Only when all vehicles are computer controlled will these things stop happening. The car will ALWAYS maintain proper distance at every speed, for instance.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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