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Japanese police department publishes “driving horoscopes” to encourage road safety

Jamie Koide Sep 9, 2015
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Among the many superstitions that exist in Japan, fortune telling based on blood type still remains popular. Most profiles of anime and manga characters or celebrities include blood type, and it’s not uncommon for some Japanese to attempt to predict the behavior of others based what kind of blood is coursing through their veins.

But with only four personality types to choose from, that doesn’t leave very much room for variation. That may be one reason why over the years Japan has seen a boom in Western astrology, with many fashion magazines, books, and character items catering to those interested in finding out or showing off what their zodiac sign purportedly says about their personality. In fact, considering the recent release of driving horoscopes by one prefecture’s police department, it seems even government officials are now in on the craze.

Despite how the number of traffic accidents in Japan has steadily decreased since the 1970s, they still remain a concern in densely populated areas.

Driving schools emphasize the importance of being a careful driver and license holders who have any traffic ticket infraction points are required to attend a driving safety seminar with each re-new, but it can be hard to get the attention of the rest of Japan’s driving population.

Perhaps this is why the Aichi Prefectural Police Department decided to analyze their traffic accident records and hop on the astrology bandwagon by releasing this traffic safety zodiac fortune-telling chart, based on the birth dates of parties listed on accident reports over the past 10 years.

(From the top, left to right)

Aries: Many cases of rear-end collisions have been reported for Aries. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road, refrain for using your cellphone while driving, and pay attention to what’s in front of you.
Be extra careful of driving in Nagoya in September, October, and December, and on Fridays.

Taurus: Taurus get into many speeding accidents. Think of others, lower your speed, and drive safely!
Be extra careful driving in March, June, October, and November, and on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Gemini: Gemini are often involved in accidents on their way home. You may be feeling relieved after a long day of work, but keep an eye out!
Be extra careful in February, April, August, and December and on Thursdays.

Cancer: Cancers have the most first-party bicycle accidents and accidents where seatbelts are not worn. Lower your speed and make sure you always wear a seat belt while driving!
Be extra careful driving in February, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Leo: Leos are prone to drinking and driving and running red lights. Both of these things can cause major accidents. Remember to keep in mind the three Ss of driving (stop, slow, smart)!
Be extra careful driving in March, October, and December and on Tuesdays.

Virgo: Virgos have the most accidents caused by running stop signs. In places where you should stop, be sure to come to a complete stop and check both ways before safely proceeding.
Be extra careful driving in February, October, and December and on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Libra: Libras have the most first-party car accidents involving female drivers. Keep an eye out for any possible danger while driving.
Be extra careful driving in the Mikawai area in April, October, and December and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Scorpio: Scorpio are involved in many self-inflicted steering accidents between midnight and 3 a.m. It’s more difficult to see while driving at night, so reduce your speed!
Be extra careful in March, September, November, and December and on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

Sagittarius: Out of all the signs Sagittarius has the least number of accidents, but accidents involving Sagittarius often occur in the morning. Keep your mind free of other thoughts while driving and concentrate on the road.
Be extra careful in May and on Mondays.

Capricorn: After Aquarius, Capricorns have the second highest number of fatal accidents. Intersections are especially dangerous areas. Pay extra attention, and keep the three Ss in mind!
Also be extra careful in July and December, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Aquarius: Aquarius are involved in the highest number of fatal accidents. They also have the most self-inflicted accidents and first-party accidents. Aquarius should especially follow the three Ss!
Be extra careful in March, September, and November, and days other than Tuesday.

Pisces: Pisces have the largest number of highway accidents. Avoid driving for long periods of time, and take multiple breaks! Use your high beams at night.
Be extra careful in January, July, August, September, November, and December and on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Besides these general horoscopes, an in-depth look at data on pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, those who drink and drive, and the elderly deceased for each zodiac sign is available here.

Although the topic has made headlines on multiple Japanese news outlets, it seems the overall reaction from citizens have been mixed. Some have praised the Aichi Prefectural Police for coming up with an interesting way to remind its residents to drive safely, while others feel that using unreliable superstitions to talk about serious topics only makes others take them less seriously.

Is this kind of research something you’d be interesting in observing nationally or internationally? Let us know what you think! And if you happen to be an Aichi resident or driver, how accurate was your horoscope reading?

Source: Netorabo/Yahoo! Japan News, Aichi Prefecture Police via My Game News Flash
Feature/top image: Aichi Prefecture Police
Insert images: Aichi Prefecture Police