By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

The DriveTime mailbox is overflowing with letters and e-mails about accidents, congestion, pedestrians and other things.

Here's a sampling of what you're saying:

No one likes to have cars speed on their street. It can hurt animals, children and adults. Communities have fought long and hard to get these traffic-calming measures in place. I hope more is done. Yes, I do drive, but also love to walk.

Kaira Resch

Let's get real: Drivers don't know the rules. C'mon! Speed-limit signs are everywhere! Drinking and driving? Who does not know that it's illegal?

Why do we import or allow 200-, 300-, 400-, 500-horsepower cars in the state? Why do people speed or get drunk? Does overcrowding have anything to do with it? Or having two jobs to survive? Why do we like fast food? Cause we ain't got time for slow food!

Steve, via e-mail

I have used the Pali daily for 38 years and have served on many traffic safety and control committees. At between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., town-bound, the average speed is around 60 to 65 mph — even the buses get up there. No cops any more since the camera-van ban.

Jack Sullivan

Set up a fake traffic accident and everyone will slow down to "rubba neck." Put a smashed-up car alongside the road, park a police car next to it and keep its blue dome light flashing. Neither car needs to be operable. Cost of wreck from the junkyard: $0. Use an obsolete or old blue and white. Downside: someone will stop to steal or smash the blue dome light.

Tom James

Funny you should talk about narrower lanes. I'm from Hawai'i and have been living in the United Kingdom for a year. It's actually narrower, but the U.K.'s speed limit is actually faster.

When I started to drive on these roads, I started to drive carefully and more slowly, but I would always get honked at. As time went on, I started to get used to driving the way the Brits do — fast. The speed limit is 70 mph. However, if you drive at that speed, I guarantee that you'll get passed by someone driving his car at around 90 mph.

So narrower roads don't necessarily mean a slower speed for all. I believe traffic will slow down, but it eventually will speed up again.

Gary A. Flores

We are always reading the statistics regarding deaths caused by auto accidents in which the individuals were not wearing seat belts. In contrast, we don't push for a motorcycle helmet law even when reading about a motorcycle accident in which the rider dies from head injuries while he or she was not wearing a helmet.

The Click-it or Ticket campaign is a great reminder for motorists. But let's not exclude the safety of our fellow bike riders. They need to live also.

Chubby Bruhn

Drivers on our roads today are simply impatient and selfish, and they refuse to change. Unfortunately, government officials bend at the slightest vocal opposition. They need to show some backbone and stick with the changes made.

Cory Takemoto

Got a Drive Time suggestion or comment? Send them to Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.