Originally Posted by
jib71
Fatalities have been reduced, but the "habits" described have been passed down to the latest generation of drivers, riders and cyclists. One big factor in reducing road fatalities has been improved car design. The advice about what to be aware of on Japanese roads is still pretty good advice - even 20 years later.
No... it's an article FOR motorocyclists. It's about Japanese driving behavior.
I would hazard a guess that you've never ridden a motorcycle.
Yeah. If you're in the space between the taxi and his fare, it's pretty surprising. You kind of expect a professional driver to have some awareness of the road around him. I've known people to say "Ooooh. That was a surprise."
Yes. He qualifies the fact that Japan has a low fatality rate by explaining that this is not thanks to advanced driving skills and better driving habits. Rather, it is because speed limits are so much lower in Japan than they are in countries with similar road safety records.
Finally, end of con calls.
I was 7 in 1989. The book is old. Period. The passing of the driving habits from generation to generation sounds sweet, nice, warm and fuzzy, but doesn't speak to how the driving schools have changed their instruction since 1989 or if there has been any change in focus of drivers' training. Also, the fact that cars have gotten safer is only relevant if the decline in fatalities in Japan is similar to the decline of other countries in the world. I have no idea except I know the decline in fatalities in Japan is happening each year, so not sure whether it's w/r/t driver training or cars being safer, both or what factor to attribute to each.
Ok, the book's subject is regarding, and in connection with, the riding of motorcycles in Japan. How's that? Satisfactory?
Your guess is wrong that I have never been on a motorcycle, and I have no idea why that matters. As if I have never been on a motorcycle it would make me less cool or that I would know less? Have you rode a motorcycle? I quit riding after being cut off and scraping my leg, but why did I have to include this?
The mere fact that Japanese drivers drive slow is a good driving habit. My personal experience is that Japanese drivers put more distance in between cars than I notice when I'm in the U.S - not as much tailgating. Additionally, the Japanese get road rage less.
If taxi drivers going over lanes to grab their fare is something you don't anticipate, then I guess your driving habits aren't so representative of UK. I assume you're from there because of your spelling of "maneuver."