We have asked entities such as the Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association and the Tokyo Bus Association to have drivers drive slowly and check for safety, as well as call the police at 110 if they see someone sleeping on a road.

Even for the size of Tokyo 13 people seems like a very high number. Maybe the advice (that should apply to every driver, not only of buses and taxis) should be supported by stronger education campaigns or fines to dissuade the people that let themselves (or companions) drink without control.

So drivers are forbidden to shortly look at a smartphone, but it is expected (by police!) that they instead look away from road and traffic into neighboring cars if there’s someone sleeping? You made my day, guys. lol

@Sven

It says nothing about people sleeping in cars. They are describing people falling asleep drunk in the street. Not sure how you made that jump in conclusions.

A couple years ago while cycling through Oiso late at night, I almost ran over a guy who was passed out drunk right in the middle of the Tokaido. Dragged him off the road and onto the sidewalk. He'll never know how lucky he was.

Get drunk at home.

Safer and cheaper.