Japanese Driving Instructors Allow Students to Drink to Show Effects of Drunk Driving

Japanese driving instructors recently developed an unusual method for curbing drunk driving. 

In an effort to convince “overconfident” drivers to never drink before getting behind the wheel, some student drivers were allowed to consume alcohol and then drive in a controlled setting, the Guardian reported. 

The program was developed in Fukuoka, a city in southwestern Japan, in time for the anniversary of an infamous drunk-driving accident that occurred in the city. Seventeen years ago, three young children were killed when a drunk government employee struck their family’s car. 

Two Japanese journalists took part in the experiment – with one drinking and driving, while the other one remained sober and rode in the car.

Hyelim Ha, the driver, first navigated a series of obstacles while sober – including a slalom and a series of tight curves. She then drank a can of beer, and diluted servings of plum wine and liquor, according to the Guardian. 

Ha said she felt capable of driving again, even though she was at twice the legal limit. When she did get behind the wheel again, however, she needlessly accelerated and drove in the wrong lane. 

Ha was surprised to learn about her driving errors from her instructor Shojiro Kubota. Many people who drink and drive express similar surprise, the instructor explained. 

“Even though [drinking] impairs the skills people need for driving, such as cognitive capacity, judgment and vehicle maneuvering ability, the driver assumes they are driving safely – that’s the danger of drunk-driving,” Kubota said, according to the Guardian.

Japan has a relatively low rate of alcohol consumption, compared to its peer nations, according to a 2021 OECD study, though social and binge drinking remains popular.

The country has seen a spate of alcohol-related fatalities coming out of the pandemic, according to CNN.