View Full Version : Driving in Okinawa
jmw01
06-14-2007, 09:54 AM
Hello everyone now i know that driving in Okinawa is difficult for some and dangerous for others and sometimes you don't have any problems. But i have been driving over here for over two years now and sometimes i make mistakes no one is perfect but the worst drivers over here are kangi plated cars they always cut you off pull out at the last possible second or stopping anywhere they want to. what i dont understand is how can they pay 3,000 dollars thats right 3.000 dollars for the very basic drivers license and still drive the way they do in the states we dont even pay a quarter of that and yet dont have as many problems now you might say that there are more death invovled with accidents in the states well we also drive at a much faster speed then over here over here people have love taps from bumbers and no damage to their cars because the speed is slower but every time i get out on the road some one pulls out in front of me without looking or cuts me off and if my wife who is okinawan is in the car with me and i say something about the perpetrator then she gets mad at me so all i ask is if you or your friends are the ones that i am talking about either start paying attention while on the road stop text messaging while driving or just take the bus please for everyone elses safety and yours throw your license away you payed that much and you still dont know how to drive.:D
DoctorP
06-14-2007, 10:03 AM
I feel your pain, but to me the worst drivers here are the Americans! Driving too fast for traffic flow and always in a hurry to get somewhere. (note: Leave earlier and you won't have to hurry!)
But the other problem I have is the people (Okinawans) who insist on text messaging at every light! Hey people...the message can wait!
jmw01
06-14-2007, 11:34 AM
americans arent the only ones racing and speeding through traffic japanese do it and they dont have any where they have to go except to get a parking spot at jusco before they are all gone
Oh man jmw, I am completely with you on this. I HATE driving to work. For me, it's those pesky yellow plates and old people. hehehe.
My pet peeve is how they step on their breaks to turn BEFORE they even turn on their turning signal.
I need to stitch my lips shut when my baby daughter is in the car because I start cursing like a sailor every time.
P_chan
06-14-2007, 03:55 PM
driving does suck something fierce over here. But I agree with doctorP, the americans are pretty horrible too. I hate seeing some kid in is POS 180 driving like he's fast and furious. Racing everything thats slower (or people who aren't racing him) then him because he knows he'll win.
DoctorP
06-14-2007, 07:52 PM
What is hilarious is watching idiots leave one specific gate on the base (not named) and racing because they just can't handle someone getting in front of them...then the ass turns into housing less than 1/4 mile later!
bokuwa
06-18-2007, 11:23 AM
Well, with my yellow plates I go, until about 1/2 mile to turn, put my brake on and get ready to turn, why do I see so many fingers when I turn?
Ha,ha,ha,
Maybe me???
Tempestuous
06-20-2007, 06:27 AM
The 5 -8 cars that drive through once the lights red always drove me NUTS!
One time we were almost hit by a jack@$$ that CHANGED lanes to run the red!!! (it was such a near miss, he pulled over thinking he actually snagged us)
bokuwa
06-20-2007, 06:56 AM
The 5 -8 cars that drive through once the lights red always drove me NUTS!
One time we were almost hit by a jack@$$ that CHANGED lanes to run the red!!! (it was such a near miss, he pulled over thinking he actually snagged us)
I can say with confidence the jack@$$ was not me, I always stop for red.
By the way I was just being silly with my earlier post. I consider myself a pretty good driver and usually thinking of what the other drivers are doing to stay out of trouble.
When I was older I used to be a bad driver, but in recents times I pay attention much better.
Tempestuous
06-20-2007, 12:23 PM
By the way I was just being silly with my earlier post. I consider myself a pretty good driver and usually thinking of what the other drivers are doing to stay out of trouble.
I think we all knew you were being sarcastic.....least we really hoped so. :)
bokuwa
06-22-2007, 11:12 AM
I think we all knew you were being sarcastic.....least we really hoped so. :)
Why do you? Really hope so.
Tempestuous
06-22-2007, 12:03 PM
Why do you? Really hope so.
Ummm, cause why would one openly brag about their inability to drive without putting others in danger, like it's something to be proud of?
We had more expectancy in your intelligence than to expect you to be being honest with that post.
Boost
06-23-2007, 12:21 AM
When I was older I used to be a bad driver, but in recents times I pay attention much better.
Okay, now I am confused! :) What ever you are eating, drinking, or what ever that makes you go from older to younger...I want some!!!
okibill
08-07-2007, 08:57 PM
Driving back and forth to work is a daily exercise in road rage for me :cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing:
socalheart
08-07-2007, 09:04 PM
Okay, now I am confused! :) What ever you are eating, drinking, or what ever that makes you go from older to younger...I want some!!!
Maybe you should drive backwards! You know, like in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. :scared: Ha!
Driving back and forth to work is a daily exercise in road rage for me :cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing:
You and me both man. It's those pesky yellow plate cars that get in the way.
:36:
I really sometimes wish my car had a built in machine gun or rocket launchers... :army:
And then there's those fools who think it's ok to just park in one of the lanes of traffic. During rush hour. GENIOUS. :thumbup:
DoctorP
08-07-2007, 09:28 PM
And then there's those fools who think it's ok to just park in one of the lanes of traffic. During rush hour. GENIOUS. :thumbup:
Ha Ha! I think I know what you are talking about here!
DougP
08-07-2007, 09:42 PM
I'm used to the way everyone drives here pretty much. lol Its a lot better than Korea IMO. The only thing that gets me is when I see kids not strapped down while they're riding in the car. People allowing their kids to rome free in the car or holding them in their lap grinds my gears :(
People allowing their kids to rome free in the car or holding them in their lap grinds my gears :(
Me too. It seems like every month you read about some Japanese kid falling or being tossed out of a car during an accident. Makes me just want to scream "DURRRRR" at them when they complain about what a tragic loss it was.
Wear your :cursing: seatbelts, people! Put your kids in a :cursing: childseat!
coldnoodles
08-07-2007, 10:04 PM
I hate it when here you are driving down the street and the car in front of you has no brake lights and stops to talk on their phone or do text messaging. Then they get out of their car holding up traffic to talk on the phone.
I can't stand it when people stop at yield signs and wait for it to be completely no cars before going. People would do that in TX and it would drive us crazy! But thats why TX had 300 accidents a day and now they come here, we know when they are from TX! No offense TX people....
IndyGal
08-07-2007, 10:17 PM
Going out of Kadena gate one there is always that joker that doesn't know how to MERGE into traffic or the one that holds up the line so they have the perfect opportunity to go over to the far lane.
Also hate waiting in a turn lane...the line is long and some idiot drives up in the lane next to it and then hops in the front of the line for the turn lane.
DoctorP
08-07-2007, 10:20 PM
I never understood why, when they remodeled the gate, that they didn't bring the main road straight up to that light. That would have eliminated a lot of problems with the merging.
I'm with you, I hate those asses that have no other way of getting home then to tie up the merge lane so that they can cut across three lanes of traffic though!
I have to admit that one of my favorite past times lately has been to pull up in the left hand lane at gate 3 and watch people race me up the street because they think I am gonna cut in front of them, when really I turn and go towards Chibana...I love doing that so much that I do it almost everyday!
socalheart
08-07-2007, 10:38 PM
For me, the lane merge at KAB gate 1 isn't as bad as bad as the merge at the 85/Ikento(?)-T down the road from KAB gate 3. At least gate 1 is mostly Americans trying to merge. The 85 merge is mostly Japanese/Okinawans who don't know how to merge as well as they know how to cut you off in traffic. They stop when there's no stop sign, or when there's a yield sign instead. Then there are the jerks who drive in the gutter to cut around you and the idiot stopped in front of you to make the same left turn you want to make as indicated by your blinker. Of course, they ignore the blinker, because most of them never use theirs so don't recognise it from the gaping maw under their noses. sigh... I'm used to driving in SoCal, where they shoot at you. Okinawa's drivers are lucky there are weapons control laws here. Otherwise, you'd have people jumping out of their cars wielding katanas at each other. heh.
P_chan
08-07-2007, 10:45 PM
Going out of Kadena gate one there is always that joker that doesn't know how to MERGE into traffic or the one that holds up the line so they have the perfect opportunity to go over to the far lane.
Also hate waiting in a turn lane...the line is long and some idiot drives up in the lane next to it and then hops in the front of the line for the turn lane.
Yeah but japanese people in general don't' know how to merge. I don't think they belive in merging over here.
okibill
08-08-2007, 05:13 AM
This reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker...."HORN BROKE...WATCH FOR FINGER" :thumbup:
Tempestuous
08-08-2007, 06:22 AM
I have to admit that one of my favorite past times lately has been to pull up in the left hand lane at gate 3 and watch people race me up the street because they think I am gonna cut in front of them, when really I turn and go towards Chibana...I love doing that so much that I do it almost everyday!
That's just sick, you know this right? :D
But like you mentioned- the people who can't figure out another way to get home, is just ridiculous!!
I have tried to erase the bad driving experiences from my memory:)
roxy_skyy
08-09-2007, 07:55 PM
What I hate is on how some roads the traffic lights are timed so poorly. It's constantly brake....1st gear....almost 2nd gear....BRAKE! It's annoying and I can't stand when yellow plates pretend they're tailgating a car that's 50,2300,939 miles away from them and they keep tapping on their brakes as if a deer is just going to leap out of nowhere and land perfectly in front of their car so they gotta be ready!!! The other day I was drving home and this chick was in front of me....and she just slams on her brakes (mind you the light was green there was hardly any traffic and she wasn't turning) I had just enough patience and a half a cigarette not to get out of my car....lmao
socalheart
08-09-2007, 07:58 PM
Yes. What the he!! is with leaving five yards between you and the car ahead of you? What's with speeding up to run a yellow light or go through a new red, but then stop? What's with not signaling when turning into a parking lot or at a light? What's with those people?! :cursing:
roxy_skyy
08-09-2007, 08:04 PM
I hate it when a car brakes at a red light, but then decides to run it....I hate that!!! I could've ran it too if it wasn't for them!!! lol
I hate it when a car brakes at a red light, but then decides to run it....I hate that!!! I could've ran it too if it wasn't for them!!! lol
I totally know what you mean. That drives me nuts too. :cursing:
roxy_skyy
08-09-2007, 09:15 PM
I totally know what you mean. That drives me nuts too. :cursing:T
There are times when I just want to chase after them and do it to them...but I've gotten in trouble for a few things similar to that.
coldnoodles
08-10-2007, 11:08 PM
This was the first car I saw here that flipped from taking turn tooo fast and running red light!! http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/yosquiddy/Picture229.jpg
DougP
08-10-2007, 11:10 PM
who said yellow plates cant move fast? :)
P_chan
08-10-2007, 11:46 PM
I saw a daihatsun move that was flipped. It looked like the were just not paying attention and went off the road. They then hit small palm tree and went up it. It flipped the car once it came down. Palm tree 1 Kei car 0
L Boogie
08-18-2007, 09:32 PM
This is kinda funny, 'cause I posted something about this in a "Driving Pet Peeve" thread on another Forum. Here's what I put...
Driving in Japan is a blast.
Most people here don't know the meaning of acceleration. The light turns green, and they start to move forward everrrrr ssssoooo slllloooowwwlllyyy. Come on people! I drive a stick! I need acceleration!
No one here pays attention to the road. Seeing people swerving all over the place is a daily occurance. Cell phones are illegal while driving, but that doesn't stop anyone.
No one uses turn signals until halfway into the turn. And they take about a year to turn off the road.
In St. Louis, if you're driving in the fast lane and come up behind someone, they'll usually get over so you can pass. No such luck in Japan. They'll just putt along and stare at you in their rearview mirror.
People pull over wherever they feel like it. Oh look a vending machine! I'm going to stop and get a drink! I don't care that I'm still halfway in traffic! Everyone can go around me!
If you're nice and decide to let someone out in front of you, watch out! Three other people will follow them and dart out in front of you.
Bicyclists have sidewalks, but would much rather ride in traffic.
Motorcyclists can drive down the shoulder and middle of lanes to get in front of traffic. I can't wait to see one get taken out by someone changing lanes that can't see them.
The back roads here are tiny...and people going the opposite direction don't realize that their car is smaller than they think and hogging the whole road isn't necessary.
Some lights here don't have green turn arrows. These lights suck because if people see a car coming, even from a distance, they're scared to go and would much rather hold up traffic.
I could go on and on but I'll spare you.
PentagrAmerica
08-20-2007, 11:04 AM
Complain complain complain......:thumbdown:
Different country different culture, different habbits. Come to a different country, point out the differences that don't suit you, and they are all based on the United States. Get over it.....better yet, stay on base
Brett23iu
08-20-2007, 11:10 AM
I think for me driving here has made me more aware cause I am always being conscious of staying on the other side of the road so I pay attention more
socalheart
08-20-2007, 12:45 PM
Complain complain complain......:thumbdown:
Different country different culture, different habbits. Come to a different country, point out the differences that don't suit you, and they are all based on the United States. Get over it.....better yet, stay on base
Dude, I grew up here and have the same issues about how the locals drive here. People who have driven in Manila, Saigon and Bangkok have the same issues with how they drive here. They're just not on this forum. Have you ever seen how they drive in those places? Holy crikey, I thought I was going to die each time we drove in the city. :scared: Heh. Some of us who have these issues aren't able to even get on base, and some who can get on base live off base. It's possible that we "get over it" by venting to each other shared problems with driving over here, which is better than exacting road rage and car-tipping an obaa-san in a kei car. For someone to say "all based on the United States" is possibly an exaggeration in this thread.
With all due respect, it's nice for you that your driving experiences with the local drivers on island have been without incident enough for you to have the attitude about it that you have.
CGoki
08-20-2007, 12:56 PM
This is kinda funny, 'cause I posted something about this in a "Driving Pet Peeve" thread on another Forum. Here's what I put...
I can not agree about the bicycle portion whatsoever, you should reread what you wrote, it is right there in plain English, sideWALK, not sidebike. The sidewalk is for pedestrians walking, bicycles are a form of transportation just like a motorcycle, I guess they too should get up on the sidewalks as they also only have 2 wheels. I occasionally ride a bicycle and don't ride on the sidewalks, I ride with the flow of traffic when I do. Though some people really have no attention span at what they are doing behind the wheel or they were one of those people that couldn't stay within the lines in pre-school and kindergarten and can make it a bit queezy when I am doing what is correct.
Complain complain complain......:thumbdown:
Different country different culture, different habbits. Come to a different country, point out the differences that don't suit you, and they are all based on the United States. Get over it.....better yet, stay on base
:star::star::thumbup::star::star:
Great post.
silviasichigo
08-20-2007, 04:06 PM
:star::star::thumbup::star::star:
Great post.
He is probably the owner of the www.yplatehater.com or maybe it's you........:dead:
Just so you know that is not an actual link :D
DoctorP
08-20-2007, 04:42 PM
No it is not a link, but it was one of my favorite websites!!!
No it is not a link, but it was one of my favorite websites!!!
Do you know if there are archives of the site left anywhere on the net' where we could read some of what was there that you enjoyed so much?
DoctorP
08-20-2007, 04:58 PM
Do you know if there are archives of the site left anywhere on the net' where we could read some of what was there that you enjoyed so much?
I just enjoyed it for the fact that it allowed for a way to publicize some of the idiot drivers around here. Photos and all! I also enjoyed reading some of the feedback left for the creator. He caught hell for setting up that site! Serves people right!
I don't think there is anything left of the site though. At least I have been unable to locate anything.
silviasichigo
08-21-2007, 12:42 PM
That Guy was just an angry bitter person.....A mad ex-LCPL who could not get a base job was one of the comments made towards him haha. I would think DK knows the guy since he had some issues with his first particular ISP (This is all hear say from his site from him)
What? That guy was about the biggest go-getter I've ever met. I don't think I've ever once thought of him as angry or bitter. Myself, on the otherhand, I'm a pretty angry, bitter person all the time lol. I'm a closet grouch.
Can you believe people actually drove up to the point where the cones were placed and cut in!!!
Umm yes, should we be surprised?:-|
DougP
08-22-2007, 06:38 PM
He is probably the owner of the www.yplatehater.com or maybe it's you........:dead:
Just so you know that is not an actual link :D
actually you might know this guy or at least I know Andrew does:)
joker69
08-23-2007, 10:24 AM
just the other day i was being followed too closely by a Y plate. officer at that, in uniform too. he followed me for the whole drive home. about 5 car lengths from the light i put on my turn signal.... then when i stop to turn, as there was a few cars coming the opposite direction, he got extremely close and started honking and waving shouting obscenities. i then put on the E-brake got out of my car, approached him, saluted and asked him what his problem was. i ripped his butter bar wearing self a new --- ! then i asked for his information, unit name and commanding officers name. he then got very appoligetic. the following morning i was standing tall in front of a Col. USMC. i dont know what happened to him but i know i am not scared of anyone regaurdless of rank.
i have had more issues with american drivers than the japanese ones. if someone stops you and asks you what the issue is when you are making a fuss... its me!
ProtoEVO
08-23-2007, 12:52 PM
SOCAL mentioned other country's driving habits. I have visited Thailand, Sri Lanka and Korea. I am so glad to come back to Okinawa driving. Thailand and the Lank are just insane. Absolutely. In Korea red lights are optional. We were running close to curfew and the only English the taxi driver seemed to understand was "Red Light Optional!" cuz he ran every single one.
silviasichigo
08-23-2007, 01:02 PM
actually you might know this guy or at least I know Andrew does:)
I know who it is I was being an ass :D I just won't drop names.
Koopa Troopa
08-24-2007, 02:05 AM
I like driving here. I can put on my shamisen music and cruise at 45 kp/h and just enjoy life while traffic backs up behind me.
newvalor
08-24-2007, 03:05 AM
I can't stand the fast and furious wannabe's here....
Other than that, I'm on the same page with the half mile out for a turn braking. taking 5 minutes to turn onto a 2 lane road is not that difficult or scary.
I'll admit that at times with the yield signs i'll actually sit and wait for some of the cars to clear out before I go, you can never trust a persons reaction if they decide to speed up or turn at the last minute.
People need to get off the road if they decide to use the cellphone, I wish I had the truck from work with an attached Cow-scoop on the front end. I would clear a path instantly.
It's funny enough when I drive the truck/boat trailer out to White Beach, that truck is a beast (Ford Superduty 3500) w/ a 40ft. boat on the trailer. That thing is intimidating to the local drivers, they don't know what to do so most times they pull way off to the side of the road, nobody tries to dart in front of me thru the turn, most don't even try to pass me. I love driving that thing.
Oh and to the people that like to go so ever freakin slow, get out of the slow lane. If you see a car moving faster than you, get out of the way not change into the lane the car is moving in.
DougP
08-24-2007, 03:49 PM
I think it is hilarious when some of these skyline and turboed out silvia drivers fly past me at mach 5, then I pull up to them like 10 seconds later at a red light.
Sometimes i catch their girlfriends checking me out,then the driver speeds off gets stuck between a truck and a kei jidosha,I simply manuver and pass them! Oh the sheer joy!!
Those guys are not real auto enthusiasts and probably drive a mustang back in the states :)
DougP
08-24-2007, 04:10 PM
I gather by the oversized exhaust and extremely large spoilers that they are over compensating
Large exhaust I can understand(sometimes) I had twin 70mm pipes myself but that was for a reason. I didn't like the fact they were really loud at idle but hey function over eardrums :) Big wings wont do much for you out here, I don't think most people need that kind of downforce. Although some are die hard track guys.
I'll admit there's a number of people out there that are going through the motions. I never saw the point of driving fast through traffic, especially during the day. For the most part I see the regular non modified cars doing it more often.
DougP
08-24-2007, 04:32 PM
I guess its hard to explain. Working on a car is more than just trying to get to the next light fast. Its a hobby like any other. And there are a few places on okinawa where you can get a car up over 240kph before you hit another light. But driving fast in a straight line isn't what a lot of auto enthusiasts out here like to do anyway. Exhaust systems or whatever you wanna call it play their part and are more than just noise makers. But yeah they can be pretty loud just like a lot of the aircraft flying around out there. :)
socalheart
08-24-2007, 04:38 PM
I like driving here. I can put on my shamisen music and cruise at 45 kp/h and just enjoy life while traffic backs up behind me.
You and my mother must be in the same club. Except her music is Vietnamese easy listening. The sad thing is she has a Celica, which has the ability to do more than 60 kph. :D
P_chan
08-24-2007, 06:10 PM
You gotta love the races to 60kmph on base:rolleyes:. I see them everyday!
Koopa Troopa
08-24-2007, 06:25 PM
I cant see the exhaust thing if you are trying to make you ride more fuel efficient but some are just plain loud
Yeah, I hate those people. Loud doesn't mean fast!
P_chan
08-24-2007, 06:27 PM
I think most people put an exhaust on their car to relieve back pressure so they can get more hp/kwh. The loudness is just a side effect. Nothing sounds sweeter then a nice powerful engine with some racing pipes on it.
:edit: sorry there are exhaust systems (or lack there of) that just make your car louder. Like that corolla I see on base with no exhaust whatsoever.
Koopa Troopa
08-24-2007, 06:40 PM
Turbos are more efficient with a free flowing exhaust.
DougP
08-24-2007, 07:54 PM
different exhausts different loudness:) Seriously though once you get into the real free flowing kind its hard to keep them really quiet. That's why they have silencers for a lot of them.
Koopa Troopa
08-24-2007, 07:57 PM
Yeah, once you get to a certain point... Volume just kinda happens...
socalheart
08-28-2007, 12:13 AM
On our way home tonight, we had a tailgater. It was a Japanese guy in a K-car with blue lights lining the inside. We had another K-car in front of us and to the side of us. There were a lot of cars, but not bumper to bumper. The blue-light special zips around us, edges in front of us right on the tail of the car that is in front of us, then... he creates his own lane by driving between the car on the left and the car on the right! :scared: What the hell, over?! Luckily, we were behind this reckless driving scene. I hate to imagine what would've happened if either car on his sides had drifted toward the center.
P_chan
08-28-2007, 07:42 AM
when don't you get tailgated on this island? I love it once I see one of those kei cars zipping around. Makes me wish my car was fast so I could leave them in my dust.
DoctorP
08-28-2007, 07:55 AM
when don't you get tailgated on this island? I love it once I see one of those kei cars zipping around. Makes me wish my car was fast so I could leave them in my dust.
You could still leave them in the dust if you do this:
Slam on your breaks and have them plow into you...then calmly drive away! Problem solved...except for some hair and blood transfer on your trunk!:thumbup:
socalheart
08-28-2007, 12:28 PM
It's not the tailgating that got me. It's the driving on the dotted line between two cars that were side by side! :scared:
Pikoro
09-29-2007, 11:06 AM
Ha.. clicked on your yplatehater.com link this morning and the site is back online "by popular demand" it says.
This should be interesting...
Ha.. clicked on your yplatehater.com link this morning and the site is back online "by popular demand" it says.
This should be interesting...
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet. :first:
You mean this one:thumbup:
Y Plate Hater (http://www.yplatehater.com/)
Fonze
09-29-2007, 02:41 PM
I have a thought for all you Y plate haters
1. How many of these stupid Y plate drivers are stupid Japanese spouses with cars.
2. How Many of these stupid Y plate speeders are half Japanese/American kids that inherited the stupid driver chromosome from the Japanese side.
3. How many of these stupid Y plate drivers are SOFA status that have lived here after military service and caught a bad habit (stupid driving).
Now Iknow Americans speed but thats cause they're not use to driving school zone speeds on major roads. I have to admit it's better than going 10k below the speed limit. I do have to say though I have become a more patient driver and will go back to the states a better driver after driving in this hell hole.
Oh I read this earlier and from the spot gate to the lester gate every Y plate used their blinkers, 9 kanji plate did not. Also from the 9 accidents involving Y plates seven where Japanese spouse. Americans aren't perfect drivers but to compare them with Japanese drivers is a no brainer, Americans are expert drivers.
Americans are expert drivers.
Yeah right:rolleyes:
Japanese drive fine for Japan and American's drive fine in America, it's when the two get mixed together that shit starts to fly, or should I say body parts start to fly.
Fonze
09-29-2007, 05:13 PM
You're right. But when you go get your license they say we're expert drivers so it kinda puts pressure on you.
I'm with Fonze on this one. :D
I still want to make a website "yellowplatehaters.com"... But I really don't have time to keep something like that up!
Fonze
09-29-2007, 06:59 PM
who knows maybe the oki's are good they just get a bum rap from mainland tourist.
DoctorP
09-29-2007, 10:20 PM
Ha.. clicked on your yplatehater.com link this morning and the site is back online "by popular demand" it says.
This should be interesting...
Awesome! I need to let the guy know I could help keep it running...I have lots of time! :thumbup1::thumbup:
@fonze...I watch people everyday, and it is not just one group of drivers that suck. There is a large contingent of Americans that drive without regard for the others on the road though! I see just as many bad Japanese drivers, but as you said "we are experts" that would mean that we should be more professional, and not asses!
Good to see that he is taking both Japanese and American offenders though!
You're right. But when you go get your license they say we're expert drivers so it kinda puts pressure on you.
That's because that is the way the Japanese look at people that are licensed to drive.
There is actually a traffic law here regarding "professional negligience" which can be used by the police to charge an offender for a traffic violation. The JP's look at people who have drivers licenses as being "professionals" because the overwhelming majority have been to driving schools to get their licenses.
Just because some seem to forget what they learned isnt an excuse imo but it is a fact of life here. One other thing to remember is the vast number of "paper drivers" here. People who have licenses but dont actually have any practical driving experience. They also cause a lot of trouble as well.
who knows maybe the oki's are good they just get a bum rap from mainland tourist.
That's another subject in and of itself. One example is the Okinawa Expressway.
I wonder how many people here are aware of the ONE major difference between the expressway here and the ones in mainland Japan. Believe me there is one huge difference that many people even here in Okinawa are not aware of......any takers on guessing what it is, oh hint here it has nothing really to do with the spead limit either, although that is a hint in a manner of sepaking.:D
DoctorP
09-29-2007, 11:34 PM
I wonder how many people here are aware of the ONE major difference between the expressway here and the ones in mainland Japan. Believe me there is one huge difference that many people even here in Okinawa are not aware of......any takers on guessing what it is, oh hint here it has nothing really to do with the spead limit either, although that is a hint in a manner of sepaking.:D
This is not the answer you are looking for, but I will say PRICE! It is unbelievably cheap to use the expressway here as compared to mainland!
DoctorP
09-29-2007, 11:36 PM
That's because that is the way the Japanese look at people that are licensed to drive.
There is actually a traffic law here regarding "professional negligience" which can be used by the police to charge an offender for a traffic violation. The JP's look at people who have drivers licenses as being "professionals" because the overwhelming majority have been to driving schools to get their licenses.
Just because some seem to forget what they learned isnt an excuse imo but it is a fact of life here. One other thing to remember is the vast number of "paper drivers" here. People who have licenses but dont actually have any practical driving experience. They also cause a lot of trouble as well.
You have to remember as well, that many American drivers have held a permit at age 15 and license at age 16. When you compare the years of driving experience of Americans with that of their Japanese counterparts...that alone makes you a professional!
This is not the answer you are looking for, but I will say PRICE! It is unbelievably cheap to use the expressway here as compared to mainland!
You are correct it isnt the price, it may come across as semantics to some here but the difference is that the Okinawa expressway is classified as a "jidosha do" or automobile road, which means that it is to for the express use of automobiles. On that road if a driver for what ever reason has an accident and hits a pedestrian the pedestrian would be found to be at fault. Unlike a highway or road that is not an expressway.
In mainland the expressway is classifed as a "jidosha kousoku do" meaning that it is classified as a high speed automobile road. The difference in top spead is noticeable as well. The top speeds on the roads in mainland is 100 km/h while here in Okinawa it is only 80 km/h.
The overall length and lay out of the expressway here makes a difference as well.
Okinawa's expressway used to be much more expensive, and when it was there werent a lot of people, percentage wise to the number of licensed drivers here, that actually used it. So JH, Japan Highway lowered the cost of the toll road, although that is onlu supposed to last until the southern extension connecting to Naha Airport is competed. When it's finished the toll is expected to return to the previous rates.:cursing:
You have to remember as well, that many American drivers have held a permit at age 15 and license at age 16. When you compare the years of driving experience of Americans with that of their Japanese counterparts...that alone makes you a professional!
Of course there are exceptions to the rule of course, but I think that the average Japanese driver, even without the 2 or 3 extra years of "experience" actually are more knowledgeable than their American counter parts when it comes to driving.
In the US all it takes to get a learners permit is passing a written test, then to get a regular license passing a driving test that differs greatly depending upon the state one lives in.
Here in Japan, the overwhelming majority go to driving schools to get their licenses and the schools are VERY dilligent in what they teach and rarely pass anyone that does not get passing grades.
I have been to a Japanese driving school to get my "ogata niishu" license, and believe me they teach more than any drivers ed class in the states.
Yet one thing that happens afterwards here is people forget all that they learned at school once they get on the road for real. Many turn into serious assholes in my experienced opinion.:thumbdown:
Fonze
09-30-2007, 12:04 AM
I read on that website that it cost like 3 g's to start driving. WOW Then all the yearly taxes and expensive tolls it seems like way to much.
Actually students are required to do more drivers ed in the states from years past.
DoctorP
09-30-2007, 05:38 PM
Of course there are exceptions to the rule of course, but I think that the average Japanese driver, even without the 2 or 3 extra years of "experience" actually are more knowledgeable than their American counter parts when it comes to driving.
In the US all it takes to get a learners permit is passing a written test, then to get a regular license passing a driving test that differs greatly depending upon the state one lives in.
Here in Japan, the overwhelming majority go to driving schools to get their licenses and the schools are VERY dilligent in what they teach and rarely pass anyone that does not get passing grades.
I have been to a Japanese driving school to get my "ogata niishu" license, and believe me they teach more than any drivers ed class in the states.
Yet one thing that happens afterwards here is people forget all that they learned at school once they get on the road for real. Many turn into serious assholes in my experienced opinion.:thumbdown:
I wasn't debating who was more knowledgable. I was stating that the average US driver has more "wheel" time than your average Japanese driver. That is the justification used to say we are "professionals". I disagree with this moniker though as I see idiots on the road daily and constantly wonder how they could have gotten a license!
I wasn't debating who was more knowledgable. I was stating that the average US driver has more "wheel" time than your average Japanese driver. That is the justification used to say we are "professionals". I disagree with this moniker though as I see idiots on the road daily and constantly wonder how they could have gotten a license!
Ok, that is probably true due to the size difference between the countries, and Americans being more apt to travelling longer distances for longer periods of time.
I agree with you about wondering how some got their licenses, yet I wonder the same thing when I am in the states as well.
DoctorP
09-30-2007, 05:50 PM
I also disagree with the title "professional" since this is the first time that many Americans have driven on the right side of the car and left side of the road. While it is not difficult, it does take some extra thought.
Funny thing is that many Americans that are new to the island are some of the best drivers...because they are being so cautious! Give them a few months though and they lose their minds!
I also disagree with the title "professional" since this is the first time that many Americans have driven on the right side of the car and left side of the road. While it is not difficult, it does take some extra thought.
Funny thing is that many Americans that are new to the island are some of the best drivers...because they are being so cautious! Give them a few months though and they lose their minds!
As you probably know to the Japanese Police anyone that has a drivers license is deemed to be a professional.
That leaves a lot to be desired as I know of many paper drivers as well.
DougP
10-01-2007, 02:51 AM
You mean this one:thumbup:
Y Plate Hater (http://www.yplatehater.com/)
Wonder if this guy still thinks this is his island:D
So I'm driving home the other day and these two okinawan women came out of an alleyway and onto the road
they looked at the car as they turned so I know they saw me,I slowed down so the could have time to walk closer to the side of the road so I could pass.....
Instead of allowing me to pass the started walking in the MIDDLE of the road:-|
So I remained patient for about a minute then gently beeped my horn,would you believe they just turned around and gave me that "don't you dare blow your horn at me" look and just turned back around,luckily my house was only about 50 meters away.......
Were they good looking? Maybe they liked what they saw and were trying to get your attention \:-) :eek: :D
they might have been good looking 50 years ago.........
Havent you ever heard the line "Women are like fine wine, they get better as they age".\:-)
That is if they haven't turned to vinegar first.:old: :dead::eek:
Maybe they were looking for some young "cork" to plug,,,,,,,ooopppss!<3
Good thing I gave up drinking LOL
Ok then maybe I should have said............Women are like aged cheese, they get better as they age:dead: Just so long as the cheese isnt limburger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limburger_cheese).:scared:
In 2006 a study showing that the malaria mosquito (Anopheles gambiae) is attracted equally to the smell of Limburger cheese and to the smell of human feet [3]
Fonze
10-04-2007, 07:33 PM
Smooth is your mother in law around. jk
Tempestuous
10-05-2007, 01:08 AM
Havent you ever heard the line "Women are like fine wine, they get better as they age".:-)
That is if they haven't turned to vinegar first.:old: :dead::eek:
Maybe they were looking for some young "cork" to plug,,,,,,,ooopppss!<3
:barf::barf:
DUDE!!!! You guys and your descriptions!!!
You just are too brutal for vivid visualizers!!
Now I gotta clean up the mess from losing my breakfast.
knj_822
10-08-2007, 04:22 PM
just use common sense when driving in okinawa or in other countries for that matter.
personnally, i think oki/jap drivers have a long way to go in terms of driving. i think they need more behind the wheel experience. i don't have anything against driving schools but there are things that they cannot teach.
remember that you are the driver, it's basically up to you what to do when on the road. doesn't matter if it's y plate or kanji plate. it's like i know snakes are dangerous so i'd stay away from them. same thing goes for driving, if you feel that it's the those with kanji plates are the problem, be cautious when you're around them.
i've driven in a number of countries but for kicks this is the only place where i've seen 10 cars involved in a rear ending accident on a road with a 60 km/hr speed limit. all of which were kanji plates, it's like watching a comedy film, first car stops, 2nd car hits the first car's rear ends and so forth. all drivers get out of their cars and start scratching their heads. classic!
just use common sense when driving in okinawa or in other countries for that matter.
personnally, i think oki/jap drivers have a long way to go in terms of driving. i think they need more behind the wheel experience. i don't have anything against driving schools but there are things that they cannot teach.
Thanks for posting your thoughts here....:D
One request and I am fairly sure it wasnt intentional but the contraction for Japan is JP not jap. :(
Using Jap to many people here is the same as calling a black person a n*****. Thanks for understanding. :o
Could you edit it please? Thank you!:D
DougP
10-08-2007, 04:40 PM
Thanks for posting your thoughts here....:D
One request and I am fairly sure it wasnt intentional but the contraction for Japan is JP not jap. :(
Using Jap to many people here is the same as calling a black person a n*****. Thanks for understanding. :o
Could you edit it please? Thank you!:D
Hey Muku not to derail the thread any but maybe the next time someone tries to type the first three letters of Japan in an attempt to describe Japanese people the auto censor can just put 3 * in its place:thumbup:
Or maybe that might backfire and Japan would look like ***an :D
knj_822
10-08-2007, 09:32 PM
muku:
my apologies on that one. it was my mistake. cheers!
muku:
my apologies on that one. it was my mistake. cheers!
No problem, I had to have someone point it out to me as well.:D
Thanks for understanding.
Fonze
10-08-2007, 10:54 PM
I remember when you told me that to Muku and it was done by mistake but wouldn't the equivelant to caliing some the N word be "NIP". When we were kids thats what we would call asians.
Isn't Japan in Japanese called NIPPON? So to me Jap doesn't seem wrong, Nip seems worse for some reason.:o
OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand
10-09-2007, 09:14 AM
I remember when you told me that to Muku and it was done by mistake but wouldn't the equivelant to caliing some the N word be "NIP". When we were kids thats what we would call asians.
Isn't Japan in Japanese called NIPPON? So to me Jap doesn't seem wrong, Nip seems worse for some reason.:o
I heard both used as a kid and later while working back home, and they seemed to be used interchangeably. One's pretty much equivalent to the other.
OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand
10-09-2007, 09:36 AM
Even champion motorcycle racers are biting the dust driving in Japan. Take it easy out there...
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20071008p2a00m0sp005000c.html
I heard both used as a kid and later while working back home, and they seemed to be used interchangeably. One's pretty much equivalent to the other.
I agree, I also think the the word Jap was used more by people from a different generation and the discrimination that is associated with it stems from that generation as well. Of course not to justify it's use.
I have a small story to relate about this topic as well...
When my mother turned 20 years old back in 1942 she was given a gold necklace with her initials engraved on a pendant. She caught all sorts of shit back then because of the fact that her initials were J.A.P. When she wore it people out of the clear blue would come up to her get truly angry with her and ask he if she was a JAP lover.
Back during the war in the US that was pretty much the lowest thing a person could be, depending upon where one lived. Anyway she ran home crying on a number of occasions truly frustrated with people and their insensitivity. Yet she said that looking back at it in reflection there really wasnt anything she could have done to change peoples impressions because of the outright hatred the country felt at that time towards Japan. She ended up putting it away and never wore the necklace again.
That is probably why I personally am more aware of it when people use it, and it was my mother that was the person that pointed it out to me after I used the word once a long time ago.
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