Caught in an Earthquake While Driving in Japan? Here’s What to Do

Did you know Japan experiences over 1,500 earthquakes every year? While most of them are small enough to go unnoticed, driving during an earthquake can turn a routine trip into a dangerous scenario.

Whether it’s your first time driving in Japan or you’re a seasoned traveler, knowing exactly what to do during seismic activity could save your life.

Imagine being on an expressway or crossing a bridge when the tremors hit—it’s enough to make anyone feel helpless. But by reading this guide, you’ll be equipped with crucial earthquake survival tools specifically tailored to drivers.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to safely stop your car when an earthquake strikes.
• Key actions to avoid hazards, from collapsed bridges to downed power lines.
• Staying informed using Japanese earthquake early warning apps.
• Dealing with emergency situations, from tsunamis to medical help on the road.

These tips will increase your chances of staying safe while driving during an earthquake in Japan. Let’s start by exploring what steps to take immediately when the ground begins to shake.

What to Do When Driving During an Earthquake

Driving in Japan during an earthquake can be dangerous and nerve-wracking, unless you follow safety rules. Indeed, knowing the actions to take while driving during seismic activity can save your life.

This section covers step-by-step instructions on how to handle your vehicle. You’ll also learn what you should and shouldn’t do the moment you feel an earthquake.

If You Feel an Earthquake While Driving

Realizing that the ground beneath you is shaking while you’re in a moving car can feel surreal. Earthquakes are often hard to detect while driving due to the nature of the vehicle’s suspension. But, there are tell-tale signs that it’s happening:

• Look for visible signs of movement. Trees, traffic lights, and poles may sway unusually—even without any wind.
• Check for unusual road conditions. Pavement cracks might suddenly appear. Steering may become difficult, as if the car is no longer responding properly to your actions.

Once you confirm an earthquake is occurring:

1. Stay calm. Sudden actions like slamming the brakes could cause accidents. Panic only increases risk.
2. Slow down gradually. Do not stop abruptly. Turn on your hazard lamps to signal to drivers behind you that you are slowing down. Gradually steer to the left shoulder away from the flow of traffic. Japan drives on the left-hand side, so positioning your vehicle on the left keeps roadways clear for emergency vehicles.
3. Avoid hazardous areas. If you’re approaching a tunnel, overpass, or bridge, keep in mind that these structures could be vulnerable depending on the seismic intensity. Try to move away from these spots before coming to a full stop.
4. Turn off the engine. Once stopped, switch off your car’s engine and engage the emergency brake. Keeping the brakes set ensures your vehicle won’t roll. Besides, turning off the engine reduces the risk of fuel ignition in case of aftershocks, fallen power lines, or other hazards.

After Stopping on the Shoulder

Once you’ve safely stopped, your priority is to ensure your safety and that of those around you in the event of aftershocks or further seismic activity. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Turn on hazard lamps. Visibility is crucial, especially during chaotic situations. Keep your hazard lamps on, even after stopping. This will communicate your presence to other drivers and prevent accidents.
2. Set up a stop signal. If you have emergency triangles or a road flare in your vehicle, set them behind your car to create a warning zone. Japan’s highways can stay busy, and other drivers may not see stopped cars in time during low visibility.
3. Choose a safe location. Park well away from anything that could fall on your car. Avoid parking under large trees, close to tall buildings, or within tunnel thresholds. If possible, move your car further away from elevated highways and bridges. Joints in these structures could fail during strong tremors.
4. Be aware of surroundings. Stay inside your car until the shaking has fully stopped. Look for visible hazards, such as cracks in the road or downed power lines. Aftershocks are common, so prepare for further movement. If there’s an earthquake early warning, confirming aftershocks or more tremors can give you a heads-up on what to expect next.
5. Stay inside unless it’s unsafe. In most cases, your car offers a degree of protection from falling debris and other external hazards. Get out only if it’s necessary. For example, when there are severe aftershocks, a nearby fire, or the risk of a tsunami in coastal zones.
6. Use technology to stay informed. If you have time, open an earthquake early warning app, like the Yahoo Japan disaster app, which provides real-time updates. Having these notifications in English is straightforward by following setup instructions. These tools also help you stay updated on potential tsunamis in coastal areas.

Emergency Situations During and After an Earthquake

Driving during an earthquake can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation, especially when dealing with unforeseen emergencies like the need to abandon your car, vehicle fires, or medical issues. Knowing how to act in these critical moments can save your life and the lives of others around you.

When You Have to Leave Your Car

In the aftermath of a severe earthquake, there may be instances where you need to leave your vehicle immediately. This can be due to infrastructural damage, stalled traffic, or the risk of aftershocks. It’s crucial to handle this situation efficiently and safely:

1. Turn off the engine and leave the key inside. In such cases, make sure to leave the car with the engine turned off and the keys inside. This allows emergency personnel or rescue teams to move the vehicle if it obstructs escape routes or blocking passageways for emergency vehicles, like ambulances or fire trucks.
2. Don’t lock the doors. As tempting as it may be to secure your belongings, time is of the essence. Leaving your car door unlocked could be the difference between life and death for others stuck behind you. Again, the priority is ensuring easy access for authorities to move the vehicle if necessary.
3. Avoid leaving valuables inside. Take only essential items with you, such as your phone, wallet, personal documents, and any emergency supplies prepared for evacuation. Leaving things behind minimizes time spent in the vehicle and keeps your focus on getting to a safe place.
4. Evacuate to a safe area. Move calmly but swiftly to a safe evacuation site. As said before, stay far from bridges, power lines, and tunnels, as they could collapse during aftershocks. If you’re evacuating on foot, avoid walking along highway shoulders or emergency lanes. These are used by rescue operations and emergency vehicles, making them hazardous for pedestrians.

If a Vehicle Fire Occurs

Vehicle fires are an unexpected hazard that can arise during or after an earthquake, especially in congested traffic. Fires can spread rapidly from one car to another during a jam, leaving little time to escape. Here’s what you need to do if you notice a vehicle fire or smell smoke:

1. Attempt to extinguish the fire immediately. If the fire is small enough and you are equipped to do so safely, use a fire extinguisher to attempt to control it. Make sure your vehicle has a fire extinguisher as part of your emergency supplies. In Japan, it’s mandatory for vehicles transporting dangerous goods to carry an extinguisher. Even if you don’t transport hazardous materials, having one could prevent further disaster if a fire breaks out during a crisis.
2. Cooperate with others. If you’re in a traffic jam or surrounded by other drivers, cooperate with them to put out the fire before it spreads. A quick, coordinated effort can make the difference between a manageable incident and a full-scale emergency.
3. Evacuate the area. If the fire cannot be controlled, evacuate the scene immediately. Vehicle fires can quickly get out of hand, releasing toxic smoke and causing potential explosions. Ensure everyone in your vehicle is clear of the area and not downwind from the fire.

Medical Emergencies

Earthquakes always carry the risk of serious injuries, either from collapsing buildings, debris, or accidents caused by the quake itself. It’s important to be prepared for medical emergencies, whether for yourself or others around you. Here’s how you can act swiftly if a medical emergency arises:

1. Dial 119 for an ambulance. In the event of a medical emergency, calling 119 will connect you to emergency services in Japan, with ambulances readily available for immediate response. Depending on your location, dispatchers may be able to assist in multiple languages. With major cities like Tokyo often having options for English, Chinese, and Korean speakers.
2. Carry a medical translation guide. To ensure clear communication, especially if language barriers exist, it’s recommended to carry a finger-point medical guide. This tool allows you to point at symptoms or medical conditions. It is making it easier for first responders to understand your needs even if you don’t speak Japanese fluently. These guides can usually be found in disaster preparedness kits and some mobile apps designed for travelers. Keeping one on hand could be crucial in getting the right care during a medical emergency.

By being aware of these potential emergency situations and staying prepared, you’ll increase your chances of staying safe and helping others around you during an earthquake.

Regulatory Actions During an Earthquake

Regulations on the road are put in place to ensure both public safety and efficient evacuation during an earthquake. This is especially true when driving on Japan’s expressways. Understanding these regulations can keep drivers out of harm’s way. It also ensure the smooth transit of emergency vehicles.

Expressway Traffic Regulations and Access Issues

During an earthquake, Japan’s expressway network is subjected to specific traffic control measures. They prioritize emergency response and prevent further accidents. Here’s what you need to know about driving during this time:

Temporary Expressway Closures

When an earthquake strikes, authorities may temporarily close expressways. Especially in areas where seismic intensity is particularly high. Roads may also be closed while they inspect for damage such as cracks, collapsed bridges, or other hazards that may endanger drivers’ lives. Expressway companies are responsible for evaluating the safety of roads. This often involves deploying emergency inspection teams.

In the hours following an earthquake, make sure to listen for updates on the status of expressways and other major roads via your vehicle’s navigation system or emergency radio broadcasts. Additionally, expressway toll booths are often used to control access. If tsunami risks are present, expressway routes near the coast can be closed even more quickly to ease evacuations.

Emergency Vehicle Priority

The expressways in Japan are crucial routes for ambulances, fire trucks, and other rescue vehicles. Following an earthquake, expressway traffic regulations choose these routes for emergency transport vehicles. Ordinary vehicles may be barred from using certain lanes or portions of expressways to ensure unobstructed access for rescue operations. This also prevent traffic jams from trapping emergency responders.

To prevent disruption, it’s important to pull over and yield the right of way to any emergency vehicles that approach. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive into areas marked for emergency services or block evacuation routes.

Reduced Speed Zones

Besides to complete closures or lane restrictions, speed limits may be reduced in areas hard-hit by the earthquake. Be aware that signal signs on elevated expressways will advise on new speed limits, which are designed to help drivers navigate poor conditions. These can include cracked pavement or debris. If authorities order a safety inspection of high-impact areas, roadblocks may be set up to prevent cars from moving forward. These measures can stay in place until it is confirmed that the stretch of road is safe.

Understanding and respecting these traffic regulations can be the difference between staying safe and creating further hazards in an already dangerous situation.

Emergency Supplies

When an earthquake strikes and you’re on the road, having a prepared set of emergency supplies in your vehicle can make all the difference between reaching safety and struggling to manage the aftermath. Here’s a list of items you should always keep in your car in case of a major earthquake:

Water and Non-Perishable Food

Keep at least a few bottles of drinking water and easy-to-store snacks in your car, such as energy bars or dried fruit. If rescue takes hours or roadways remain blocked, these essentials will help sustain you and your passengers.

Lighting Tools

In the case of power outages or nighttime driving, have a flashlight or headlamp to remain visible. They will also help guide your way safely if you need to abandon the vehicle or inspect the area. Don’t forget to stock up on spare batteries.

Portable Radio

A battery-powered or crank-operated radio is vital for staying updated on evacuation plans, public warnings, and where to find safe shelter. Radio signals will typically remain operational even during widespread mobile network disruptions. Tune in to emergency broadcasts for the most accurate information.

Blanket and Warm Clothing

Temperatures can drop unexpectedly at night. This fact is especially true if you’re driving in Japan’s mountain regions or Hokkaido. A thermal blanket can provide warmth should you be stranded for an extended period.

First Aid Kit and Emergency Medications

Include a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary over-the-counter medications. If anyone in your travel party relies on specific prescription medications, it’s wise to carry a small reserve in the car.

Injuries during earthquakes from falling debris or collisions are common. Having these supplies can help stabilize a situation until professional medical care is available.

Rope and a Car Escape Hammer

You might find yourself in a situation where you need to assist others or free yourself from a potentially hazardous environment. A multi-use emergency rope could be used in a variety of ways, such as for descending tricky terrain or assisting others in a rescue. A car escape hammer will prove essential if you need to shatter a window to exit your vehicle.

Fire Extinguisher

As mentioned in earlier sections, having a fire extinguisher in your supplies could prevent vehicle fires from escalating. Whether due to fuel leaks or electrical issues triggered by the earthquake, being able to control a small flame could make a life-saving difference.

Maintaining a well-stocked set of emergency supplies in your car ensures you are prepared to handle unpredictable events after a quake. Indeed, recovery efforts can take time. For residents, it’s useful to check and replace these items on a regular basis, for example, annually or before any major road trip.

By adhering to the expressway regulations in place and ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with the proper emergency supplies, you will be far better equipped to navigate Japan’s roads in the wake of an earthquake. Understanding how to act during such a disaster keeps not only you but also the surrounding community and first responders safe.

Useful Links

To ensure you’re equipped with the right tools and information when driving during an earthquake in Japan, here are some essential resources to help you stay informed, prepared, and safe.

Disaster Information Provider App “Safety Tips”

The “Safety Tips” app is an official tool provided by the Japan Tourism Agency. It offers real-time emergency alerts, including earthquake notifications, tsunami warnings, and evacuation guidance. It supports multiple languages such as English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

This app is especially important for tourists since it provides instructions on how to act when disasters strike. You can easily download it on your smartphone by following these links:

Once installed, configure push notifications for earthquakes and tsunamis. It will ensure you’re fully prepared.

JNTO Global Website

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) offers a Disaster Information page on their global website. It updates tourists on current disaster situations, road conditions, and evacuation routes. These information includes instructions on dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Ensuring you regularly check this site after a quake can help avoid road hazards.

Keeping these tools and resources accessible on your smartphone and in your car can make a huge difference in your safety while driving in Japan during an earthquake.

Conclusion

Driving during an earthquake in Japan presents challenges, but by taking precautions you can improve your safety.

Being aware of additional hazards such as tsunamis and the potential for road cracks or collapsing bridges emphasizes how important it is to remain vigilant and informed at all times. Equipping yourself with emergency supplies, staying up-to-date with local emergency services, and understanding Japan’s expressway traffic regulations further ensures that you are prepared for unpredictable seismic events.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate Japan’s roads with greater confidence, knowing that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and others. Make sure to download the safety apps we’ve recommended, and if you’re traveling from countries like France or Germany, secure a JAF-certified driver’s license translation through Nippon Driver so you’re fully compliant on the road during your trip.

Stay safe. Stay informed. And enjoy your journey through Japan. With proper preparation, you can explore this beautiful country even through nature’s surprises.