Japan is cracking down on drivers who use smartphones or other devices behind the wheel.
Fines and penalty points have both been increased. People who cause accidents while using mobile devices face immediate suspension of their licenses. There have been a number of accidents caused by distracted driving.
In 2016, a minivan hit two women in the western city of Tokushima while the driver was playing a smartphone game. One of the women died and the other suffered serious injuries.
(Victim)
"If the driver had just been paying attention, my friend would be alive today."
The victim says distracted driving can destroy a life in an instant and leave the bereaved in unbearable agony. She hopes the tougher penalties will help eliminate the problem.
Fines and penalty points have both been increased. People who cause accidents while using mobile devices face immediate suspension of their licenses. There have been a number of accidents caused by distracted driving.
In 2016, a minivan hit two women in the western city of Tokushima while the driver was playing a smartphone game. One of the women died and the other suffered serious injuries.
(Victim)
"If the driver had just been paying attention, my friend would be alive today."
The victim says distracted driving can destroy a life in an instant and leave the bereaved in unbearable agony. She hopes the tougher penalties will help eliminate the problem.
◆suspension 停止 when something is officially stopped for a period of time
◆distracted 気を散らされた、気がそぞろでanxious and unable to think clearly
◆bereaved 遺族、残された者 [the] having lost a close friend or relative because they have recently died
◆agony 苦しみ very severe pain