Japan is one of the top 10 safest countries in the world in which to drive . USA is not in the top 10 . http://www.seriousrankings.com/top-10-safest-countries-to-drive-your-car/
Ok, what is the point?
Our exchange student was exaggerating or what?
Since she was Japanese and relating a negative about her country, well, most likely she was more accurate than a study.
However, that was in 1987 - so maybe they are better drivers now.