Secret Gadget – Japan’s Taxis Sport Anticrime Device
NYC taxi drivers are sure to line up to add this feature to their taxis. SF drivers, too.
An Osaka taxi company has installed anticrime devices in their taxis.
When a perpetrator in the back seat makes his move, the driver can push a button *(kind of like a clerk in a bank) and;
1. the horn starts blowing (this is a big thing as Japanese seldom use their horns)
2. a light above the rearview mirror comes on and shines into the back seat
3. an SOS signal is sent to the dispatch center
4. the roof light begins to blink red (which passers by can ignore…or not.)
Japan is safe. So it is said. A lot has to do with Japan’s inept police force not being able to solve so many crimes that most people just don’t report a crime.
Taxi!!
Ah, and yet another reason why mile for mile, Japan’s taxis are the most expensive form of transportation on the planet.
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January 12, 2009
I knew a few cabbies in the states. All of them carried a gun. Considering that in Japan citizens cannot own guns, this looks to be a good method. I saw on Japanese TV that cabbies are getting robbed more recently. I hope this trend does not keeping going as it is not cool to rob a taxi driver.
January 13, 2009
No issue from me with regards to the cost of taxis in Japan. Look what you get: spotless cars (no dents, dings, scratches) with white seat covers; guys that stop as soon as you put up your hand (except in Roppongi, right?); and drivers that know the area and take you to your destination. I know some will disagree but this is my nearly 20 years of experience in and around Japan.
I’m happily willing to pay a more for the service here as it beats the hell out of some the very scary experiences I’ve had in other countries, US included.