Japanese traffic signals and other driving fun

[matsuki]

So when the inlaws visited gaijinland with me last year, they kept making comments on how "wakariyasui" the traffic signals were. As anyone who's ever ridden with me knows, I fucking hate Japanese/Tokyo intersections and traffic lights. As if the seizure inducing flashing lights everywhere weren't confusing enough, they seem to have taken the "We Japaneeeze" approach of over complicating the fuck out of something that should be so simple.

For example, there is this shit...

signal[1].jpg

den-sig4-1-5[1].jpg

When is seems a lot easier to just use this:

Green-Traffic-Lights_web[1].jpg

(Hey look ma! It's "ECO!" Only one light vs. 4, 5, 6 , etc!)

Is it some sort of cultural thing that prevents them from using red arrows? In the U.S., we usually get this:

6387539019_5d33929bc9[1].jpg

(would expect it to be a red right arrow in Japan)

...but instead here we have this in Japan:

drive201202_01_photo06[1].jpg

Even better is the sudden solid yellow light you get after the stop allowing the right turns...I mean, someone who just pulled on to the street might think it's safe to go straight and speed across the intersection to "beat the light."

Of course, they seem to not even want to give you a green arrow at some intersections, just a green light, despite the opposing traffic being held back for you and wondering why you don't turn in front of them. I guess that's still better than the intersections I see far too often in Tokyo, where they mounted the signals literally above you. (you can't see the signals at all if you're the front car and stopped at the intersection)

On the other hand, some of you are more well traveled than me so maybe it's just me being a ignorant gaijin fuckwit that hasn't seen this in other countries and obviously just doesn't understand the much more sophisticated system in play here and elsewhere?? Someone please enlighten me with this obviously superior system...

[Coligny]

France has multi color arrows. When there is directionnal ambiguity, each direction got a full 3 light signal who instead of round light have arrow cues. Also, if left and straight have the same timing, there is a forked double head arrow (left and forward) or right and forward or (...)

[matsuki]

France has multi color arrows. When there is directionnal ambiguity, each direction got a full 3 light signal who instead of round light have arrow cues. Also, if left and straight have the same timing, there is a forked double head arrow (left and forward) or right and forward or (...)

In case I wasn't clear, the US arrows function like the round lights with a green, yellow, and red function. Separate signals for each direction sounds over complicated as well (only see a right turn arrow at some intersections in the US) but I'd still say it's better than the inconsistent shit here. While it's a state by state thing (how's that for fucked up?) another thing California has going for it over Japan, you can make right (would be left here) turns on a red light if safe to do so. Less waiting (and idling) for ill timed lights is always a plus.

[legion]

For example, there is this shit...

signal[1].jpg

the red light means you are not allowed to levitate

I think it is a result of amakudari, someone has a company that puts in traffic lights, the more complex the light, the bigger the margin

[Russell]

In Japan there is the white sign with the blue arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

Link

[Coligny]

In Japan there is the blue sign with the white arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

NOPE:

Blue background with white arrow is for one way streets.

Turn on red is white background with blue arrow...

[Russell]

OK Coligny, you were so quick to answer, even before I could edit out my mistake. It was the other way around: blue arrow on white background.

[matsuki]

For example, there is this shit...

signal[1].jpg

the red light means you are not allowed to levitate

I think it is a result of amakudari, someone has a company that puts in traffic lights, the more complex the light, the bigger the margin

Haha, or go in reverse?

Very possible but why wouldn't they be standardized by law rather than let the manufacturer go nuts? Still doesn't explain the ill-placed signals that aren't even visible if you're the first car.

In Japan there is the white sign with the blue arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

Link

Interesting, I don't think I've ever seen one of those...or maybe I just never noticed. Are they super common?

[Coligny]

A bit like unicorns, some claims they have seen them, but it's mostly old folks tale or children's books...

[matsuki]

A bit like unicorns, some claims they have seen them, but it's mostly old folks tale or children's books...

Well...that would explain why I've never seen them.

[Russell]

In Japan there is the white sign with the blue arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

Link

Interesting, I don't think I've ever seen one of those...or maybe I just never noticed. Are they super common?

There is a reason that I could not recall the exact traffic sign at first. And that is not Alzheimer's.

But here is one.

Unobtrusive as they are, you will notice this sign when you are waiting for a red light and the car behind you starts to claxon frantically (at least that is how it works in Hyogo)...

[Mock Cockpit]

I like Japanese traffic lights. Red? Merely an invitation to stop, to be accepted or ignored at your leisure. Suits my driving style which is directly stolen from the taxi drivers of Rome; go fast, be first, make the others afraid!

[matsuki]

In Japan there is the white sign with the blue arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

Link

Interesting, I don't think I've ever seen one of those...or maybe I just never noticed. Are they super common?

There is a reason that I could not recall the exact traffic sign at first. And that is not Alzheimer's.

But here is one.

Unobtrusive as they are, you will notice this sign when you are waiting for a red light and the car behind you starts to claxon frantically (at least that is how it works in Hyogo)...

Yeah...sounds like unless you know the area, that is the likely experience. Who the hell came up with this shit?

[Yokohammer]

Do you guys have "preview traffic lights" in your areas?

Up here, on winding/hilly roads where you can't see the upcoming light, there'll sometimes be a "preview" light that is identical to the one around the corner, except that it has a teeny-tiny little sign below it that says "予告信号", I think it was. In fact, the sign is so tiny that I don't think I've every read one properly. So if the preview light is red you know the real one around the bend is red too and you can slow down in time to stop in a civilised manner. If it's green you go like a bat out of hell, of course.

Confused the crap out of me when I first encountered one.

[matsuki]

Do you guys have "preview traffic lights" in your areas?

Up here, on winding/hilly roads where you can't see the upcoming light, there'll sometimes be a "preview" light that is identical to the one around the corner, except that it has a teeny-tiny little sign below it that says "予告信号", I think it was. In fact, the sign is so tiny that I don't think I've every read one properly. So if the preview light is red you know the real one around the bend is red too and you can slow down in time to stop in a civilised manner. If it's green you go like a bat out of hell, of course.

Confused the crap out of me when I first encountered one.

Those would be nice if they could show you what the signal 2 paces around the corner is...you know, the ones that they could probably do without.

[yanpa]

Do you guys have "preview traffic lights" in your areas?

Up here, on winding/hilly roads where you can't see the upcoming light, there'll sometimes be a "preview" light that is identical to the one around the corner, except that it has a teeny-tiny little sign below it that says "予告信号", I think it was. In fact, the sign is so tiny that I don't think I've every read one properly. So if the preview light is red you know the real one around the bend is red too and you can slow down in time to stop in a civilised manner. If it's green you go like a bat out of hell, of course.

Confused the crap out of me when I first encountered one.

There's one on the 新青梅街道 in Tokyo which I know well.

[Russell]

They should put timers on traffic lights.

Seem to remember I saw those in China.

[legion]

Very possible but why wouldn't they be standardized by law rather than let the manufacturer go nuts? Still doesn't explain the ill-placed signals that aren't even visible if you're the first car.

I think the logic is after an accident at the junction put up a set of lights.

Lights in Tokyo are designed to hold up traffic flow, not expedite it.

[Russell]

I have read somewhere that it is the police who decide where to put traffic lights. Every year they have a "budget" of a number of new traffic lights by which they may enlighten your neighborhood.

The police, ..., you read it here.

As though they became what the are because of their talents for urban planning.

[Coligny]

This kind of police over reach would explain this...

image.jpg

Okay...

Maybe not...

[J.A.F.O]

In Japan there is the white sign with the blue arrow that allows you to turn left legally, even when the traffic signal is red.

Link

Interesting, I don't think I've ever seen one of those...or maybe I just never noticed. Are they super common?

There is a reason that I could not recall the exact traffic sign at first. And that is not Alzheimer's.

But here is one.

Unobtrusive as they are, you will notice this sign when you are waiting for a red light and the car behind you starts to claxon frantically (at least that is how it works in Hyogo)...

Yeah...sounds like unless you know the area, that is the likely experience. Who the hell came up with this shit?

I got a nice picture for this. I'll post it tomorrow. Kinda confusing at first sight.

[matsuki]

Post it already JAFO!

Question of the day....

Anyone who has driven here has encountered construction, parking lot attendants, or some sort of asshole in the street waving those illuminated orange wands at you. Sometimes they want you to stop, sometimes they're obviously waving you through...but sometimes you have no idea WTF they are trying to signal. I understand waving that shit for hours is boring and you get tired...those guys are usually doing something like this...

Ramsay-Snow[1].gif

...BUT I've almost run over a few guys that are doing something more like this...

0008[1].gif

So my question is, is there some sort of standard signally motion set for these fuckers? ....or are they just doing whatever motion they feel like?

[Mike Oxlong]

Post it already JAFO!

Question of the day....

Anyone who has driven here has encountered construction, parking lot attendants, or some sort of asshole in the street waving those illuminated orange wands at you. Sometimes they want you to stop, sometimes they're obviously waving you through...but sometimes you have no idea WTF they are trying to signal. I understand waving that shit for hours is boring and you get tired...

So my question is, is there some sort of standard signally motion set for these fuckers? ....or are they just doing whatever motion they feel like?

Yep. True dat. You get some real weird shit. Dunno if they have to go to flagman school for a few hours or whatever like back in the old cuntry, but...

[wagyl]

For example at the local festival here when they have a partial road closure it is just some random local who is given a jacket, a hat and a blinking torch* and no training and told to do it (and to hide the beer can), so it really is just any old movement that takes their fancy.

I can remember my brother was sorely disappointed when he saw one of those guys rather than the odd robot version or the LED screen animation version.

* I was wanting to say "Pointer Sister's costume" but sadly the whole internet doesn't include the original promotion video for "I'm So Excited," and I am not sure if I am mistaking this for another song by another act. Wikipedia suggests that I am mistaken. All those foreigns look alike to me anyway.

[matsuki]

Besides alternating two way traffic to pass when the road is down to one lane, I still don't understand the need to throw a human out there in the first place. Just accidents waiting to happen with some of their placements around curves and such. (and seriously, one of the most pointless jobs ever, even in Japan) Even with the one lane situation, the few I've ever seen in the US have guys simply holding up STOP signs that flip around to a proceed SLOW sign. No confusion...except the one time I almost went head to head with a truck because the fatass sign holder was too busy with his coffee, smoke, or whatever it was that led him to sit down and put the sign down...and be too busy to hold it up as I approached.

[wagyl]

Crisis over: I was thinking of the Pointer Sisters in Neutron Dance, where they are usherettes with flashing pointers, not traffic wardens.... Not even worth posting a link.

[Coligny]

Post it already JAFO!

Question of the day....

Anyone who has driven here has encountered construction, parking lot attendants, or some sort of asshole in the street waving those illuminated orange wands at you. Sometimes they want you to stop, sometimes they're obviously waving you through...but sometimes you have no idea WTF they are trying to signal. I understand waving that shit for hours is boring and you get tired...

So my question is, is there some sort of standard signally motion set for these fuckers? ....or are they just doing whatever motion they feel like?

Yep. True dat. You get some real weird shit. Dunno if they have to go to flagman school for a few hours or whatever like back in the old cuntry, but...

Data overdose... When there is already too much blinky lights and signs, in a population used to the rule "red light without cops=green light" you need to put real (sub)humans if you want traffic to behave halfway decently...

[J.A.F.O]

Post it already JAFO!

Dude, aw fuk sorry, totally forgot. Here it is.

Which Way..jpg

The two one way arrows seemingly pointing against each other. This one is on the way to the gym and I see this everywhere even in front of roads not bigger than a sidewalk. When I first moved here it was a big WTF moment.

[J.A.F.O]

Can't remember if they cut the marshaller scene out of the actual film.

[dimwit]

Speaking about driving fun. What the hell is it with Japanese driving with there high beams on on suburban streets? I get blinded about once every couple of days by these hamsters. I can only figure that this must be being taught to them in driving school.