Driving in Japan

Yes, we drive on the WRONG side of the road here.  OK, I hate when people say that.  We actually just drive on the OTHER side of the road here.  It's easy, except when you keep hitting the wipers instead of the turn signal.  But, you get over that.  What has amused me is the difference in some of the driving laws and patterns here.  For example:

Japanese are much stricter on drinking and driving.  I like this.  If you are caught in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by someone under the influence, you are subject to the same legal liability as the driver.  First, if you are drunk, then neither of you should be driving.  Second, if you're sober, you should be the one driving, and you're responsible for that.

Japanese don't understand the concept of headlights.  I do not like this.  I turn on my headlights at dusk and when it's raining.  They look at me like I'm crazy.  They don't seem to get it that I can see them better when they have their headlights lit.

Speaking of visibility.  The Japanese don't use reflective paint.  I really miss this.  It's really hard to drive at night here, especially when it's raining.  The only time this doesn't make a difference is when we're on a two way, one lane road.

It is OK to change lanes in an intersection here.  I like this.  If I need to pass someone or get out of the way in an intersection, I am permitted to do this.

It is illegal to turn left on red.  I have mixed feeling on this one.  If there is not traffic, it would be nice to be permitted to turn.  However, if I'm not comfortable turning, I don't have someone behind me, honking at me because he/she THINKS I should turn.

Cell phones.  This one is interesting.  It is illegal here to talk on a cell phone while driving.  Regardless of the use of a hands free system.  You are not permitted to be in the drivers seat of a moving vehicle while yacking on the phone.  To get around this, the Japanese just pull over to the side and put on their flashers.  They do this on any road except a toll way.  So, I can be driving down a windy, no passing, narrow road with lots of oncoming traffic.  I will come upon one of these drivers, and I have to wait for traffic to clear around a blind curve so that I can get around them.  At least I've learned to assimilate on this one.  If it's good for them, it's good for me.  Especially when I'm lost in Osaka, on the phone with the hotel, demanding directions, driving, and making U-turns as necessary.  Amy would have soiled herself.  I love Amy.  And, I found out that driving in Osaka is considered the worst in Japan.  At least I got a lot of respect for my bravery for that story.

So, it's just different over here.