Skip to main content

Emergency driver

In Japan a firefighter has been dismissed, having driven fire engines and other emergency vehicles without a license. The man had been working as a firefighter for over 20 years in Takaoka City before a routine check uncovered the fact that he had no license. At first the man tried to pass off his father's driving license as his own, but when he seemed reluctant to show it to his superiors they insisted on examining it more closely and it was quickly realised that the photograph was of his father. Although
July 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In Japan a firefighter has been dismissed, having driven fire engines and other emergency vehicles without a license. The man had been working as a firefighter for over 20 years in Takaoka City before a routine check uncovered the fact that he had no license. At first the man tried to pass off his father's driving license as his own, but when he seemed reluctant to show it to his superiors they insisted on examining it more closely and it was quickly realised that the photograph was of his father. Although the man had gone to a driving school he had failed a written test, but this did not dissuade him from pursuing a career as a firefighter and he drove emergency vehicles over 400 times. The Takaoka Fire Department has apologised to locals and has tried to cover its loss of face by pointing out that the man did not cause any traffic accidents.

Related Content

  • A sense of innocence
    February 29, 2012
    A British man was arrested by police for a series of driving offences, despite the fact that he is registered blind. The man was told by a friend that the local police had a warrant for his arrest over driving offences. When he contacted police he explained that as he is blind, he cannot drive but he was ordered to attend court nonetheless to protest his innocence. Although it was clear that someone else had given police the man's name and address when arrested, police were unable to see this logic and insi
  • That new car smell
    October 12, 2017
    A man in the UK recently picked up his brand new Ferrari from the dealer, having arranged the purchase earlier. Just one hour later the man was being helped, bruised and battered but not seriously hurt, from the smouldering wreckage of the car. The driver had lost control on a rain-soaked motorway, plunging off the road. Emergency services responded quickly, rescuing the man from his smashed Ferrari 430 Scuderia.
  • Safety barriers improve highway safety
    July 3, 2012
    Highway safety could yet improve using available technology more widely Safety barriers still offer huge opportunities to improve accident statistics worldwide. There is a wide array of products on the market to suit all types of installation and with a diverse range of solutions for each application. Highway authorities have been installing barriers for many years now and the technology continues to improve, however an analysis of accident statistics shows that barriers offer further potential. Details fr
  • Distracted driving report from European nations
    December 11, 2017
    There are now calls from right across Europe to increase education, enforcement and penalties for distracted driving. Surveys across Europe have revealed worrying attitudes to the use of mobile devices while driving, according to a report by the European Transport and Safety Commission (ETSC). Campaigners are calling for better enforcement, higher penalties, technological solutions and education to raise awareness of the risks. A survey in the Czech Republic found that 36% of drivers admitted using their