A recent accident on the New Meishin Expressway in Japan has been linked to a driver's admitted use of a smartphone while behind the wheel. While it is unclear when the accident occurred, it has raised ongoing concerns about road safety and distractions from electronic devices. There is a renewed call for stringent regulations on smartphone use when driving.

In Japan, traffic safety is a much-discussed topic due to the country's high population density and dependence on road transport. Smartphones' distractions have emerged as a significant issue, leading to accidents and fatalities. While there are already laws against using a smartphone while driving, this occurrence has sparked a call for stricter enforcement and more awareness campaigns.

In the US and EU, the issue of distracted driving, particularly due to smartphone use, has been tackled through stricter legislation, high penalty fines, and constant public awareness campaigns. They also have systems to report such cases. Their actions and the consequences of not adhering to the rules can be a possible benchmark for Japan to follow.