Highways

HDOT to broadcast traffic fatality number on message signs; public can submit message ideas through Twitter, Facebook

 HONOLULU – In an effort to reduce preventable deaths on Hawaii roadways, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will begin broadcasting traffic fatality statistics and safety messages weekly over permanent Dynamic Message Signs on Oahu, on the HDOT website, and over social media accounts.

“Although we’re talking numbers and statistics, I want everyone to remember what each number represents,” said Governor David Ige. “A family member or friend is lost forever every time the traffic fatality count increases. This year, nearly three-quarters of the deaths on Hawaii roads have been pedestrians. That is an unacceptable start to the year and we’re committing to raising awareness of safe driving and pedestrian behaviors.”

HDOT will begin broadcasting the year-to-date preliminary traffic death total over its Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). These signs are placed in strategic locations around Oahu to inform motorists of incidents, travel times, and other information to help them make driving decisions.

“Given the increase in pedestrian fatalities this year, we owe it to the road users of Hawaii to aggressively push our safety messaging by any means available,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen. “A number of states are effectively pushing out messaging on highway safety through their systems and message boards and we want it to be a sobering reminder for our drivers as well.”

HDOT is encouraging the public to submit suggestions for highway safety messages via Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #safeHIroads. Submissions should be 30 characters or less and provide a message meant to encourage safe driver and/or pedestrian behavior, such as “Click It or Ticket.” Chosen submissions will be announced on HDOT social media accounts with credit given to the author.

As of March 15, 2018, preliminary State data shows that there have been 20 motor vehicle fatalities statewide. The cases remain under investigation; however, alcohol/drugs and/or speed are believed to be contributing factors in at least seven of the incidents.

The 2018 pedestrian fatalities include nine people who were killed crossing streets, six of which were not in marked crosswalks. Five people were struck while outside of their vehicle and are counted as pedestrians. The 2018 total of 14 pedestrian deaths statewide nearly matches the 15-total pedestrian deaths suffered for all of 2017.

“These traffic fatalities are occurring island-wide. They happen where you work, where you live and all points in between,” said Lt. Ben Moszkowicz, Honolulu Police Department. “Starting this weekend, and throughout the spring and summer, the HPD will be conducting pedestrian and occupant safety operations on our roadways. In addition, the HPD will continue its 52/12 campaign. Through State DOT funding, the HPD establishes impaired driver checkpoints all 52 weeks and 12 months this year. As a reminder, the St. Patrick’s Holiday is coming up tomorrow. Nationwide, it is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to the number of drunk and drug impaired drivers on the road.  Law enforcement will be out in force this weekend and throughout the year conducting DUI roadblocks with officers who have expertise in detecting both alcohol and drug impaired drivers.”

“A significant portion of these 2018 traffic fatalities will be found to be alcohol or drug related. Alcohol related fatalities had been decreasing but the 2016 official data (most recent year with official data) showed a significant increase. This year already looks very troubling,” said Arkie Koehl, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “MADD continues to stress the ongoing importance of planning ahead to get a designated driver – whether a friend, a cab or a ride-sharing company, or the bus – if you are going to any gathering or event serving alcohol. This is an especially important message for this weekend with all its St. Patrick day festivities.”

HDOT is reminding all of Hawaii’s roadway users to follow the laws and pay attention to stop the tragic and preventable deaths on our roadways. HDOT has produced and distributed pedestrian safety messaging through Walk Wise Hawaii since 2006. Walk Wise Hawaii pedestrian safety tips are now available in 12 languages including English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Chuukese, Marshallese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Ilocano, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Brochures containing pedestrian safety steps are distributed at community events throughout the state. An online version of the multi-language brochure can be viewed by visiting https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2018/03/2017-WWH-Multi-language-brochure.pdf

The English version can be found by visiting

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2018/03/2016-WWH-Brochure.pdf

The Steps to Safety include:

• Always cross the street at a crosswalk. When no crosswalk is available, please cross at a corner.
• Be vigilant. Always look left-right-left and continue to look while crossing.
• Do not enter the crosswalk if the light indicator is counting down. The countdown is for pedestrians already in the crosswalk.
• Always walk when crossing the street. Never run.
• Always wear bright or reflective clothing when walking between dusk and dawn.
• Always watch for vehicles backing out of driveways or parking stalls. Drivers don’t always see you.
• If there is no sidewalk, always walk on the side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.

January 1, 2018 through March 15, 2018

	Motor Vehicle Occupants	Pedestrians	M/C, Moped, Scooter Operators	Bicyclists	ATV Operators	TOTAL
C&C of Honolulu	1	9	3– m/c’s 0 – moped 0- scooter Total -3	0	0	13
Hawaii County	2	4	0 – m/c’s 0 – moped 0-scooters Total – 0	0	0	6
Maui County	0	1	0 – m/c’s 0 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total -0	0	0	1
Kauai County	0	0	0 – m/c’s 0 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total -00	0	0	0
TOTAL	3	14	3	0	0	20

 

 

January 1, 2017 through March 15, 2017

	Motor Vehicle Occupants	Pedestrians	M/C, Moped, Scooter Operators	Bicyclists	ATV Operators	TOTAL
C&C of Honolulu	2	1	2 – m/c’s 1 – moped 0 – scooters Total – 3	2	0	8
Hawaii County	5	0	0 – m/c’s 1 – moped 0 – scooters Total – 1	1	0	7
Maui County	2	0	0 – m/c’s 0 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total – 0	0	0	2
Kauai County	0	0	0 – m/c’s 0 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total – 0	0	0	0
TOTAL	9	1	4	3	0	17

Motor Vehicle Fatality Counts

To be considered a motor vehicle fatality in the State of Hawaii, the fatal crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way customarily open to the public and must result in a death of at least one person (occupant of a vehicle or a non-motorist) within 30 days of the crash.

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HPD Lt. Ben Moszkowitz and Gov. Ige take the Walk Wise and Drive Wise pledges to be aware and look out for one another on the road.

 

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HDOT Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen, Gov. David Ige, Arkie Koehl and Carol McNamee from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Lance Rae with Walk Wise Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Deputy Director Jon Nouchi, and HPD Lt. Ben Moszkowitz gather for a group photo at the pedestrian fatality awareness news conference.

 

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The Dynamic Message Sign on Kamehameha Highway in Aiea displays the preliminary year-to-date traffic fatality figure.

 

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HDOT’s “Always Look for Pedestrians” message displayed on the Dynamic Message Sign on Kamehameha Highway in Aiea.

 

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The Dynamic Message Sign on the H-1 Freeway near Liliha displays the preliminary year-to-date traffic fatality figure.

 

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HDOT’s “Always Look for Pedestrians” message displayed on the Dynamic Message Sign on the H-1 Freeway near Liliha.

 

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The Dynamic Message Sign on the H-1 Freeway at Ward displays the preliminary year-to-date traffic fatality figure.

 

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HDOT’s “Always Look for Pedestrians” message displayed on the Dynamic Message Sign on the H-1 Freeway at Ward.