What to do in a traffic accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident, take the measures listed below.
If you do not understand Japanese, ask nearby Japanese people for help.
Drivers’ responsibilities
- Move your car to a safe place and turn off the engine
- Use a triangular sign panel to alert those around you.
- If there are any injuries, call the fire department (119) to inform them of the location of the accident, the number of injured people and the extent of their injuries, and wait for an ambulance.
- Provide injured people with first aid such as stopping bleeding with gauze or a handkerchief.
- Call the police (110) to inform them of the location of the accident, the number of injured people and the extent of their injuries, and follow police instructions.
- In accidents involving rental cars, the rental car company should be contacted.
How to call to the police (110)
The police service (110) is available 24 hours a day.
Simply dial 1-1-0. Do the same if you are using a mobile phone. If you are using a public telephone, press the red emergency button and call 110.
Describe the incident in detail, including the number of injured and the location. Give your name and contact number.
Kotsu jiko ga arimashita. (There has been a traffic accident.)
[number] nin ga kega wo shimashita. ( people are injured.)
Basho wa [place] desu. ( I am at/in .)
Watashi wa [name] desu. (My name is .)
Renrakusaki wa [phone or mobile phone number] desu. (My contact number is .)
How to call to the fire department (119)
The fire department (119) is in service 24 hours a day.
Simply dial 1-1-9. Do the same if you are using a mobile phone.
If you are using a public telephone, press the red emergency button and call 119.
Provide the same information you gave to the police (110).
If your car stalls on a railroad crossing
If your car stalls on a railroad crossing, handle the situation as follows:
Press the emergency warning button of the unit mounted on the column of the railroad crossing alarm, and if available use an emergency flare from your car to alert the train operator to the obstacle.
