The article discusses an ongoing debate in Japan over the appropriate use of turning signals in highway merging scenarios. The confusion stems from the rule that cars on the main lane should signal left to indicate an intent to let merging vehicles enter, but the natural instinct for many drivers is to signal right instead. The inconsistency has led to safety concerns among Japanese motorists, calling the attention of the Japan National Police Agency for possible changes in the guidelines.

Japan is a highly organized society paying great attention to traffic rules as any disregard can lead to serious situations. In this case, the seeming ambiguity about which turn signal to use when merging onto a highway stirs a major discussion. This issue is linked with the values of safety and public order. The matter is taken seriously as it involves road safety, leading to an escalation to the highest level of traffic administration.

In contrast, in the US and EU, the merging laws are simpler and more straightforward. Vehicles merging onto highways are responsible for yielding to oncoming traffic. No specific signal is required from the vehicles in the lane that is being merged into. This reflects a differing interpretation of traffic rules and safety measures.