The cops in Tokyo are cracking down on dangerous go-karting, according to the Japan Times. Or at least they’re asking go-kart rental companies to help make the popular tourist activity safer, following an uptick in go-kart related accidents over the last two months.
Tourists have been involved in ten out of 12 go-kart accidents since the end of March, leading to requests from the Metropolitan Police Department to five go-kart rental companies to recommend that karters wear helmets and protective gear, to ban smartphone use while driving, and to teach tourists Japanese road rules before letting them wreak Nintendo-themed havoc on Tokyo’s roads.
One widely reported incident involved a South Korean tourist failing to turn at an intersection and running into a police box.
The cops also requested that the go-kart rental companies reserve parking along their routes, and work towards reducing noise pollution, while the cops collaborate with the transport ministry on ways to improve go-kart visibility.
Go-karts are classified as minicars, according to the road traffic law, and thus have turn signals and lights, and require a valid driver’s license to operate. They’re considered minicars in terms of vehicle specifications, though, which means look, mum, no seatbelt!
Cosplay go-karting is a real thing that exists, with people dressing up as Mario and Luigi and Princess Peach and all the gang and heading on tour, at a price of between ¥6,000 and ¥8,000 (about $72-$96) for two hours.
What goes on tour stays on tour.
Source: Japan Times.
Photo: Mike Abrahams / Getty
