EDITORIAL
Crash deaths were tragic but offer needed lesson

One moment Tuesday, Elizabeth "Momi" Askew was celebrating her son's 21st birthday. The next, the birthday boy, his brother and a cousin were among five people killed in the deadliest car crash on O'ahu in eight years.

Askew watched the Honda with her two sons and nephew zoom past her on Kamehameha Highway in Hale'iwa. It appeared to be racing when it slammed into a date palm. No one in the car survived.

In addition to losing 21-year-old Patrick, Askew mourns the death of her 13-year-old son Kaimana Askew Jackson and her 17-year-old nephew Jose Delizo. Also killed was 22-year-old Shannon Waiwaiole and 31-year-old Rex Dicion.

Our deepest sympathies go out to all the families.

That said, we are thankful for one fortuitous twist in this tragedy. Had the speeding car hit another vehicle rather than a tree, the death toll might well have been higher.

By some estimates, the Honda was racing faster than 90 mph. Alcohol had been consumed, and none of the riders were wearing seat belts. Conditions were ripe for a fatal car crash.

We can only hope that families across the Islands discuss with their children this tragedy. As we worry about the casualties of war, drug abuse and other hazards, let's not forget the danger of reckless driving.

Tuesday's crash upped O'ahu's traffic fatalities this year to 22. At least 18 people have died in racing-related accidents on O'ahu since 1995. Young lives should not end this way.