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Initial D Spurs Drifting In Japan Date: 9/29/2005 |
Ramping up to the release of the live action Initial D film this month, police across Japan have reported incidents dealing with drifting this summer. In early June Saitama prefectural police executed a togue team bust near the infamous Shomaru Pass (between Hanno and Chichibu city). Shomaru is known to Initial D animation and game fans as a trecherously narrow course where it is nearly impossible to overtake. Saitama police setup their sting operation four times on the weekend, handling all violations of Road Traffic Laws. What's more, they called in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Kanto transportation bureau (Saitama Land Transport Office) to inspect and enforce violators of the Road Transportation Vehicle Law violation which involves illegal car modifications. For the past 5 years the region has attracted numerous togue teams from across the Kanto region who participate in real life drift battles and time attack drills. Police say one group recently began racing on newly created road where it's curves can be attacked at high speed. Cars there regularly hit 100 km/h there where the limit is 40 hm/h. As a result, the cars involved in racing usually occupy both lanes when engaging the corners. 41 accidents occurred near Shomaru between January and June 2005. Seven accidents were said to be serious or resulted in death. The major modifications discovered included excessive drop in height and increased lighting beyond regulations. Police buffed up their presence throughout the summer where more drift teams can be found on the togue. They also have increased the number of random stops of suspect vehicles (aka race cars).  |
| Source: Anime News Service |
