Holiday crash season deadly as ever
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
An ambulance races from the scene of an accident on Likelike Highway in which an SUV hit the guardrail and rolled over, leaving the driver in critical condition and forcing the closure of the two Honolulu-bound lanes yesterday for traffic investigation.
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
At the height of a traditionally deadly period on America's roadways, Hawai'i's traffic fatality count stands at 130, three fewer than at this time last year, with O'ahu accounting for more than half the deaths.
With 20 days remaining in the year, O'ahu's 73 deaths as of yesterday is up five from a year ago.
There have been 28 fatalities on the Big Island, 25 on Maui and four on Kaua'i. That compares with 37 deaths on the Big Island last year, 23 on Maui and five on Kaua'i.
Robert Lung, administrative sergeant for the Honolulu Police Department's Traffic Division, said O'ahu's traffic deaths include 22 pedestrians, seven motorcyclists and 44 incidents involving autos. Of those who died in vehicular crashes, only 16 were wearing seat belts.
"The message has been and still is: Speed kills," Lung said. "Motorists need to slow down. The concept many people have is that they can handle speed. But when something goes wrong, they can't control their cars. Speed adds to the severity of the crash."
Not wearing seat belts makes it even worse. There are no figures on how many lives are saved by seat belt use, but Lung, a traffic veteran of more than 20 years, said seat belts "play a critical role" in saving lives.
Police said November through New Year's Day is a deadly period on America's roadways. That's been true this year especially on Maui.
"We had five fatals in November and two already in December," said Maui vehicular homicide investigator Sgt. William Hankins. "Speeding, seat belt use, alcohol and drug use — we see the same things."
Kaua'i has stepped up enforcement of drunken driving laws during the holiday season.
"We've been seeing a lot of DUIs because we're doing more enforcement," said Kaua'i Traffic Division Sgt. Mark Scribner. "There's a lot of partying on Kaua'i at this time of year, which means long drives on dark roads for many people."
Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue said more checkpoints will be used this month to catch drunken drivers at unannounced times and locations. He encouraged party hosts to make sure guests use designated drivers.
"This is a time of year to spend with loved ones," Donohue said. "Yet families of 73 individuals who died in fatal collisions this year will not have such joyous celebrations. We ask all motorists to drive safely."
