Cyclists who use cellphones in Japan while riding can end up in jail

Japan has introduced a new law under which cyclists can be sentenced to six months in prison for using a mobile phone while driving.

Those who violate the new traffic law are fined a little more than 600 euros, but if they receive the maximum fine, they will be behind bars for half a year.

The number of accidents involving cyclists began to rise in 2021, as more people use bicycles instead of public transport. The reason for this is the coronavirus pandemic and the authorities are now trying to adjust the laws to solve the problem.

In addition to the use of mobile phones while riding a bicycle, the new law will also sanction cyclists under the influence of alcohol and the punishment varies from a fine of around 3000 euros to three years in prison, writes bbc.

Just a few hours after the law came into force, five violations have already been registered, including two drunken cyclists. One of them collided with another cyclist, but no one was injured.

In Japan, 72 bicycle accidents were registered last year, which is about 20 percent of all traffic accidents in this country.

In the first six months of this year, one person lost his life, while 17 people were seriously injured in bicycle accidents that occurred due to the use of mobile phones. This is the highest number since police began keeping records in 2007.

Between 2018 and 2022, there were 454 accidents due to cyclists using mobile phones, a 50 percent increase compared to the previous five-year period.

The latest rules come at a time when a range of safety rules are being introduced to protect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Bicycle helmets have been mandatory since last year, and in May Japan's parliament passed a law allowing police to fine cyclists for traffic violations. /Telegraph/