Japan's highways are becoming increasingly dangerous as incidents involving construction work zones rise sharply, raising concerns about driver safety and awareness. The Japan Expressway Holding and Debt Repayment Agency, along with NEXCO Central Japan, has reported alarming statistics recently, emphasizing the need for drivers to remain vigilant.
Notably, NEXCO Central Japan's Tokyo branch released shocking footage on social media in June 2023, demonstrating several incidents where vehicles collided with construction signs and barriers. These accidents prompted warnings from officials over the irresponsibility seen from drivers disregarding posted regulations and guidance signs, leading to serious repercussions.
The key factor contributing to these collisions is the overdependence on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While these technologies can make driving easier by maintaining safe distances, they can also create false confidence, leading drivers to neglect full attention to the road. NEXCO officials stress, "These assistance systems are just support; the driver remains responsible for vehicle operation."
Traffic incidents have risen with the renewed public attention on this issue, especially after the viral video showing dramatic accidents proliferated online. NEXCO Central Japan plans to continue their outreach to educate drivers on the potential dangers associated with relying solely on automated driving features, which may not recognize temporary traffic signs or obstacles, especially during road maintenance.
For example, Toyota's safety technology, "Toyota Safety Sense," has been reported to malfunction when the roadside structures, like guardrails or curbs, confuse the vehicle's steering assist capabilities.
To combat this trend, NEXCO has not only shared videos of these incidents but has also strongly emphasized the importance of focusing attention on the road, particularly during construction periods. A public announcement from the Tokyo branch on November 17, 2024, highlighted the severe consequences of distracted driving, linking approximately 40% of traffic fatalities on highways to driver inattentiveness.
Therefore, the call to action is clear: drivers should refrain from using mobile devices, like smartphones, during highway travel. The risks associated with "multitasking" behind the wheel only magnify the dangers inherent during construction work, where lane changes and reduced speeds often come without prior notice.
NEXCO's message resonates particularly well during this unprecedented time when severe traffic jams and dangerous conditions are expected due to construction projects and repairs. The communities surrounding the highway and the infrastructure maintenance sectors have urged commuters to remain alert, follow traffic signs diligently, and avoid engaging distractions.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Road Administration has also faced challenges with roadway conditions on the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway. Similar incidents have occurred due to maintenance issues and deteriorated surface conditions. Scheduled repairs to the damaged road sections are set to commence at the end of February, causing anticipated congestion as drivers navigate these areas.
Local authorities have advised all motorists to plan alternative routes effective immediately as the maintenance phase begins. Traffic security measures will be actively enforced, including the installation of additional warning signals and traffic management teams on site. Affected regions span multiple kilometers, with the expressway linking several provinces and cities.
This construction phase aims to restore safety to the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway, which has suffered from wear and tear over more than ten years of service, particularly from the influx of heavy trucks. Such infrastructural impairments signal significant deficiencies within the existing system, where proper management and upkeep have not kept pace with the volume and demands of traffic.
To minimize risks, the local highway managing authority recommends compliance with all construction directives, treating construction zones with the utmost caution. Motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed and follow signage carefully, thereby ensuring their own safety and the safety of infrastructure workers.
Both Japan and Vietnam highlight the pressing issue of highway construction safety as road networks face increasing pressures, needing consistent attention from both construction entities and drivers alike. Whether it is the vigilance required on Japanese highways or the proactive measures needed during Vietnam's expressway repairs, the need for awareness extends universally across borders.
Highway safety is more than just signage and regulations. It requires all drivers to operate responsibly and be aware of their surroundings, especially when entering construction zones. A collective effort between road authorities, drivers, and vehicle manufacturers is necessary to steer away from future accidents.
Investing time and attention now can lead to safer highways for all travelers, ensuring we prioritize road safety and the lives of others, even as modernization attempts to make our lives easier on the roads.