Drunk Driving Lessons: Japan's Unorthodox Approach to Road Safety

In a daring move that seems lifted straight out of the "you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it" files, the police in Fukuoka, Japan have undertaken an unconventional method to curtail drunk driving. But what drives the force behind this controversial yet eye-catching initiative?

A Tribute to Lost Lives

Born out of a devastating incident that resulted in the loss of three young lives, the Fukuoka police partnered with Chikushino Driving School to offer controlled experiences of intoxicated driving. The program aims to dissuade overconfident motorists from ever driving under the influence again.

The Trigger

Marking the 17th anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of two young boys and their one-year-old sister, all killed by a municipally-employed drunk driver, the initiative is more than just shock value. It's a remembrance and a stern warning rolled into one.

Putting It to the Test

Among those who participated in the trial were two reporters from Mainichi Shimbun. The drivers were first asked to navigate various sections of a road course while inebriated. Reporter Hyelim Ha, after consuming a range of alcoholic beverages, scored twice the legal limit on a breathalyzer test.

Despite feeling flushed, with a rapid heart rate and trembling hands, Ha believed she was fit to drive—a sentiment eerily echoed by the perpetrator of the fatal collision back in 2006.

Reality Strikes

Ha's misplaced confidence soon shattered. Her driving was erratic, her speed inconsistent, and she had to be stopped by Shojiro Kubota, the driving school's deputy director, before she could attempt an S-curve. Kubota pointed out that intoxicated drivers often falsely believe they can control a vehicle safely—precisely the danger of drunk driving.

A National Perspective

According to Japan's National Police Agency, many drivers who have drunk-driven without incidents build a false sense of invincibility, leading to repeated dangerous behavior. Data reveals that alcohol-involved accidents are seven times more likely to result in fatalities compared to those where the driver is sober.

The Call for Responsibility

"In essence, we're asking people to manage risks before they start drinking, such as not driving to the bar in the first place, since judgment is impaired once intoxicated," says Yoichi Furukawa, the Deputy Chief of the road law enforcement division.

Remarkably, road deaths in Japan have declined, reaching a historic low in 2022. And with innovative methods like these, the Fukuoka police are hopeful to contribute to even safer roads ahead.

So, the next time you're tempted to drink and drive, remember this sobering Japanese experiment. The only safe amount of drinking before driving is none at all.