A few additions about driving...

After re-reading the last post, I realized there are a few additions I need to make regarding driving and Japanese police. First and foremost, they do NOT play around when it comes to drinking and driving. .03 will get you a DUI (that's roughly one drink!) so you don't drink and drive here. Period. Also, if you're riding with someone who gets a DUI, YOU get one too! Oh and if you get a DUI you're going to jail for 23 days at a minimum. If you're in an alcohol related accident you'll be spending a minimum of one year in prison. (And yes, DUIs are reported back to the States too.)

Another interesting fact is that you can be put in jail for 23 days without being charged! Basically the police are judge and jury for tickets and minor violations. If you get a ticket (which they say every American gets at least one) you do not try to argue with the police, you do not have an opportunity to appeal, you just pay the fine and move on (because if you try to argue you will most likely find yourself thrown in jail for 23 days, oh, and did I mention you don't get a phone call and they don't have to tell anyone when you're put in jail!?!) The good news is that Japanese police are considered to be extremely honest and fair and if they're ticketing or arresting you, they are doing it because you've broken the law.

Last but not least, if you're in an accident and someone rear-ends you, they are not automatically at fault. If it's determined that you could have gotten out of their way, you may receive a percentage of the fault. Also, it's the insurance companies not the police that determine fault! The only time this doesn't apply is if the person who rear-ends you is a new driver (had a license for less than a year), is an elderly driver(over 70), or it's a bus or taxi - then you will automatically be 90-100% liable! New drivers and elderly have huge stickers on their cars that identify them, but basically the stickers mean - get out of my way!!!! Taxi drivers may be the scariest of all though - have you ever taken a ride in a cab?! They think they own the road and the only difference here is that it's nearly impossible for the cabby to be faulted for the accident! These are definately huge differences from the US and may seem unfair to us, but I think the intention is to force drivers to be even more aware of their surroundings...

My next post will most likely be about our new house. We move in tomorrow!!!