What to Do First After an Accident or Breakdown

If you are involved in a traffic accident or your rental car breaks down while driving in Japan, the very first priority is to ensure safety. Stop your vehicle in a safe location immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares behind your car to alert approaching drivers. Under no circumstances should you negotiate a private settlement on the spot, as doing so will render you ineligible for insurance and compensation benefits provided by your rental car company. Many foreign tourists unknowingly void their coverage by skipping official procedures. Taking the correct initial steps protects both your safety and your wallet during your Japanese road trip.

Mandatory Police Notification (Dial 110)

According to the National Police Agency of Japan, you must report all traffic accidents to the police by dialing 110. This rule applies strictly even to minor collisions, scratches, or single-car accidents where no one is visibly injured and no other vehicle is involved. The police will investigate the scene and issue a traffic accident certificate. This certificate is an essential, legally required document for processing any insurance claims with your rental provider. Failing to report the incident to the police is a direct violation of the Road Traffic Act. Without the police report, the rental company will charge you for the full repair costs out of pocket, regardless of the insurance package you purchased.

Medical Emergencies and Ambulance (Dial 119)

If anyone is injured in the accident, you must administer first aid to the extent possible and immediately dial 119 to request an ambulance. Do not move the injured party unnecessarily unless they are in immediate danger from oncoming traffic or a potential vehicle fire. Once the ambulance is called and medical help is on the way, you must still dial 110 to notify the police about the accident. An emergency phone call can be made free of charge from any phone, including public pay phones located across Japan. Emergency operators often have access to multilingual interpretation services to assist foreign drivers.

Special Procedures on Expressways

Experiencing a breakdown or accident on a Japanese expressway requires extreme caution due to the high speed of traffic. Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a sufficiently wide safe space if possible. Turn on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle behind the vehicle. All passengers must evacuate the vehicle and move outside the guardrail or to a safe location immediately. Never stay inside the car or walk on the expressway lanes, as secondary accidents are highly fatal. You can use your mobile phone or the emergency telephones located every 1 kilometer (or every 200 meters inside tunnels) to contact the road management center or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Contacting Your Rental Car Company

After securing the site and contacting the police (and ambulance if necessary), you must notify your rental car company. Most major rental companies in Japan operate a 24-hour accident and roadside assistance customer center with multilingual support. Follow their specific instructions regarding towing, vehicle replacement, and further procedures. Remember that an excess fee and a Non-Operation Charge (NOC) may apply depending on the insurance coverage you selected at the time of rental. Do not abandon the vehicle or arrange unauthorized towing services.

Summary of the Emergency Checklist

To ensure a smooth resolution to unexpected road emergencies in Japan, keep this checklist in mind:

• Secure the area and prevent secondary accidents using hazard lights and warning triangles.
• Evacuate to a safe place, especially on expressways, moving behind guardrails.
• Dial 119 for an ambulance if there are any injuries.
• Dial 110 to report the accident to the police, regardless of severity.
• Contact your rental car company's emergency hotline for roadside assistance.

By strictly following these official guidelines, you can navigate stressful situations safely and ensure your insurance coverage remains valid throughout your journey in Japan.

Driving a rental car across Japan is an incredible way to explore the country. However, navigating the expressways and understanding the toll system can seem overwhelming. The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system is the most efficient way to handle highway tolls. This guide covers the essential information you need regarding ETC cards, toll gate procedures, and how to safely manage unexpected situations.

Understanding the ETC System and Your Rental Car

The ETC system allows drivers to pass through highway toll gates without stopping to pay manually. The system uses wireless communication between an in-vehicle device and antennas at the gates. When you rent a car in Japan, the vehicle will almost always have the device installed. However, the ETC card itself must be requested separately.

• Requesting an ETC Card: Always check the availability of ETC cards when making your reservation. Most rental companies offer them for a small daily fee. Request it early, as supplies can be limited.
• Checking Card Insertion: Before starting, make sure the ETC card is fully inserted in the correct direction. An indicator will confirm the system is ready. A correctly inserted card is vital; otherwise, the gate will not open.
• Exploring Expressway Passes: If covering long distances, inquire about regional fixed-rate passes. These are loaded onto your rental ETC card and offer significant savings.

Navigating Highway Toll Gates Safely

Approaching a toll gate requires attention to overhead signs indicating accepted payment methods. There are three types of lanes: ETC dedicated, General, and Shared. Choosing the right lane early is crucial.

• ETC Lanes (Purple Signs): Exclusively for vehicles with a valid ETC card. Slow down to 20 km/h or less. Maintain a safe distance and proceed slowly. The gate bar opens automatically. Never speed through.
• General Lanes (Green Signs): If you lack an ETC card, use the "一般" (General) lanes. At the entrance, stop completely to take a paper ticket. At the exit, hand the ticket to the attendant or machine, and pay using Yen cash or credit card.
• Shared Lanes (Purple and Green): Accept both ETC and general payments. ETC vehicles pass slowly, while non-ETC vehicles must stop. Exercise caution, as the vehicle ahead may stop unexpectedly.

Handling ETC Gate Errors Safely

Occasionally, the gate bar may fail to open due to an improperly inserted card or communication error. Handle this calmly to prevent accidents.

• Never Reverse Your Vehicle: If the bar stays down, stop immediately. Never attempt to reverse, as this can cause a serious collision. Reversing on a highway is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.
• Turn on Hazard Lights: Warn approaching vehicles by turning on your hazard lights immediately after stopping.
• Call for Assistance: Use the intercom located near the gate to contact staff. Do not exit your vehicle. Wait for instructions.

Understanding Smart Interchanges (Smart IC)

You may encounter "Smart ICs" on your navigation system. These are special interchanges often located at service areas to improve local access.

Smart ICs are strictly for ETC vehicles. There are no general lanes or staff to collect cash. Without an ETC card, you cannot enter or exit using a Smart IC and must route through standard interchanges.

By understanding how to rent an ETC card, choosing the correct lane, and managing gate issues, you can navigate Japan's expressways confidently. Always adhere to the 20 km/h speed limit at ETC gates.

Driving in Japan During Summer: What You Need to Know

Summer in Japan offers vibrant festivals, lush green landscapes, and the freedom of the open road. However, it also brings extreme heat and sudden, intense rainstorms. Whether you are navigating the scenic countryside or traveling between cities, understanding how to handle these seasonal weather conditions is crucial for a safe and enjoyable road trip.

Protecting Against Extreme Heat

The summer heat in Japan can be unforgiving, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) has conducted extensive tests showing how quickly a vehicle's interior can become dangerous. According to their research, when a car is parked in the sun on a 35°C day with the air conditioning turned off, the interior temperature can reach a life-threatening level in just 15 minutes. The dashboard can become hot enough to cause burns, and the overall heatstroke risk becomes severe.

To protect yourself and your passengers, never leave children, elderly individuals, or pets in a parked car, even for a short errand. When parking, try to find a shaded area or an indoor garage. Using a sunshade on the windshield can help reduce the dashboard temperature, but it will not prevent the cabin from heating up dangerously. Always ensure your vehicle's air conditioning is functioning properly before starting your journey, and stay hydrated by keeping plenty of drinking water in the car.

Navigating Heavy Rain and Slippery Roads

Summer is also the season for sudden downpours and typhoons. Driving in heavy rain requires a different set of skills and heightened awareness. JAF warns that when rain first begins to fall, it mixes with dust and oil on the road, making the surface exceptionally slippery. During these times, it is vital to reduce your speed, especially before entering curves, and avoid sudden braking or sharp steering.

Visibility is another major concern during a downpour. Always turn on your headlights to ensure other drivers can see you. Because braking distances increase significantly on wet roads, you should maintain a much larger following distance than you would in dry conditions. Before you set out, check your rental car's tires; worn tires are far more likely to lose traction and hydroplane, a dangerous condition where the tires glide on a layer of water, resulting in a total loss of steering and braking control.

Avoiding the Dangers of Flooded Roads

Heavy rain can quickly lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas or underpasses. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) strictly advises against driving through flooded roads. Vehicles are not designed to operate in deep water. If the water level reaches the floor of the car, water can enter the engine or electrical systems, causing the vehicle to stall permanently.

Furthermore, if the water level rises to the bottom of the doors, the external water pressure makes it extremely difficult to open the doors from the inside. If the water reaches halfway up the door, opening it becomes nearly impossible. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. Never attempt to cross it. If your vehicle does become stalled in rising water, unbuckle your seatbelt and evacuate immediately before the water pressure traps you inside.

Staying Informed and Prepared

Preparation is your best defense against summer weather hazards. Before hitting the road, check the latest weather forecasts and warnings. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues specific advisories for heavy rain and strong winds, and warnings when serious disasters are possible. These updates are accessible in multiple languages and should be monitored daily.

Always listen to the guidance provided by your rental car company and familiarize yourself with the vehicle's emergency equipment, such as hazard lights and escape tools. By respecting the heat, adjusting your driving for the rain, and avoiding flooded areas, you can ensure your summer road trip in Japan remains a memorable and safe adventure.