~A Tokyo Professional Driver Warns: The \u201cTwo-Hour Nightmare\u201d That Will Ruin Your Trip~<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rear left door of the latest taxis operating in Tokyo (model name: JPN TAXI \/ Japan Taxi) is a fully electric sliding door that opens and closes via a switch in the driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s common overseas for passengers to open the doors themselves, in Japan, we drivers operate them while checking the surrounding safety down to the millimeter. (*By the way, please open and close the door yourself only when sitting in the front passenger seat!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why are we so meticulous about opening and closing the doors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s because the \u201cleft side\u201d of Tokyo\u2019s roads is the most dangerous zone in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These days in Tokyo, it\u2019s not just cars\u2014countless bicycles, scooters, and electric kick scooters are zipping around. Sadly, many of them have little regard for safety and will casually speed past the left side of a stopped taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The common sense notion that \u201cthe taxi has stopped, so someone must be getting out\u201d simply doesn\u2019t apply to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What would happen if you ignored the driver\u2019s warning and flung the door open without checking behind you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A passing kick scooter or bicycle will crash into the door, resulting in a **major accident (collision)**.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you cause a traffic accident in Japan, even as a foreign tourist, you must call the police to the scene and go through a strict accident procedure. This takes at least two hours. Your reservation at that fancy restaurant you were looking forward to, your plans for Disneyland\u2014everything will vanish in an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t want your precious trip in a foreign land to be filled with police questioning and regret, do you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are professionals. We keep a close eye on the rearview mirror, wait for the kick scooters to pass, and then open the door at a safe moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please. Leave all door operations to us, your professional drivers. To protect your safety and ensure you have the best memories possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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