I think the low mortality rate from driving is more due to low average driving speeds (and some diddling of the statistics). The results of distracted driving show up in the number of accidents per kilometer driven, where Japan is high up the table.
Really enjoyed this piece . In India it’s not just video that killed the radio car — it’s WhatsApp forwards, YouTube serials, and live cricket scores, all while dodging cows and craters. Multitasking and focussed gurus - our autorickshaw drivers .
Your post made me realise I've seen this much less recently. I drove in traffic for a while today and didn't see anyone watching TV. I think it was more prevalent when more people installed their own navigation/entertainment systems, but pretty much every car has it built-in now. I don't believe it's true that official dealers would fiddle with the system, at least it's something I've never heard of in Nagano. Anyway, it was an interesting an thoughtful post. Thanks!
I was driving with a couple in Japan who are horse racing fans on a Sunday when the races were on. The car had the navigation unit tuned to the race on live TV, while the wife had a live betting streaming app on her phone. Since both those screens in the front of the car were busy, I had to call out directions from the map app on my phone from the back seat.
Since I use cars (as a passenger; I don't drive) as little as possible, I'd never noticed the presence of TV screens on Japanese cars, only radios and DVD players. It's true you never stop learning something new.
I think the low mortality rate from driving is more due to low average driving speeds (and some diddling of the statistics). The results of distracted driving show up in the number of accidents per kilometer driven, where Japan is high up the table.
Definitely a little tongue in cheek! And proof that statistics can be a bit misleading
Really enjoyed this piece . In India it’s not just video that killed the radio car — it’s WhatsApp forwards, YouTube serials, and live cricket scores, all while dodging cows and craters. Multitasking and focussed gurus - our autorickshaw drivers .
A great story. Did you ever see "Cannonball Run"? This story reminds me of the movie!
Your post made me realise I've seen this much less recently. I drove in traffic for a while today and didn't see anyone watching TV. I think it was more prevalent when more people installed their own navigation/entertainment systems, but pretty much every car has it built-in now. I don't believe it's true that official dealers would fiddle with the system, at least it's something I've never heard of in Nagano. Anyway, it was an interesting an thoughtful post. Thanks!
I was driving with a couple in Japan who are horse racing fans on a Sunday when the races were on. The car had the navigation unit tuned to the race on live TV, while the wife had a live betting streaming app on her phone. Since both those screens in the front of the car were busy, I had to call out directions from the map app on my phone from the back seat.
Since I use cars (as a passenger; I don't drive) as little as possible, I'd never noticed the presence of TV screens on Japanese cars, only radios and DVD players. It's true you never stop learning something new.