All it takes is leadership. And leadership would certainly be a nice change from the typical post-tragedy handwringing rituals at the Capitol and Honolulu Hale — generally followed by little more than finger-pointing.

TRAFFIC

NEVER COMPLETELY SAFE FOR ISLAND BICYCLISTS

John P. Wendell (Letters, May 19) states, "What is present is the perception that our roads are unsafe for bicyclists."

The "perception?" For me, it has been reality.

There was the time I found myself splattered against a motorist's windshield after she made a left turn in front of me although I had the right of way. Or the time I had to swerve hard as I rode in the bike lane on Kalaniana'ole when a truck's trailer swerved into me.

There were the innumerable times when I had to yell at motorists so they'd notice me as they were turning into my path.

I can't forget the time I had to bang on the side of a large pick-up as he made a right turn, crossing the bike lane and forcing me to turn with him.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from biking in traffic — acquire the skills and you will increase your odds of being safe. But also know that it is never completely safe.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

WHY NOT FOCUS INSTEAD ON DRUNKEN DRIVERS?

Letter writer Paul D'Argent (May 16) is right about one thing: Government is focusing on the wrong issue.

I understand that seat belts save lives, but it seems to me that a lot of money is being spent on this Click It or Ticket ad campaign.

Why doesn't the government use those resources to go after real criminals who cause the accidents, such as drunken drivers. A similar ad campaign addressing drinking and driving, including DUI checkpoints, would save more lives.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, there were 38,588 traffic fatalities nationwide in 2006, 17,602 of which were alcohol related. That means that 17,602 lives may have been saved had there been no drinking and driving. FARS also reports that 28,049 of the total fatalities that year were wearing seat belts (60 percent), and 14,325 were not.

Since we cannot know exactly how many of those unrestrained fatalities would have lived had they been wearing seat belts, we can assume that 60 percent of them would have died anyway, given that 60 percent of the total fatalities were restrained.

That means that about 5,730 lives could have been saved had 100 percent of the drivers in the country been wearing seat belts.

Of course, looking at these statistics we can only speculate. But I think it is clear that by addressing a greater danger like driving under the influence, the government can prevent more senseless deaths on the road than by penalizing everyday citizens on the road for forgetting to put on their seat belt.

SAFE DRIVING

FANCY CAR, BUT OWNER SHOULD HAVE IT CHECKED

On a recent evening while driving home to Kane'ohe via Pali Highway, I noticed a distinguished gentleman driving a beautiful red BMW convertible with a vanity license plate.

Although his car was a beaut, I don't think he is aware that some parts of his car are possibly malfunctioning.

He changed lanes at least six times within two blocks (in quite-congested traffic) and neither turn signal went on even once.

I also am concerned that his speedometer might be malfunctioning, because he accelerated to more than 65 mph (in a 45-mph zone) as he passed the final light near Waokanaka.

I would encourage him to get his car looked at. Turn signals are a very important tool to let other drivers know your intentions. He could get into a terrible accident, since his turn signals do not seem to be working.

MAKAPU'U

PLEASE REVERSE DOG BAN ON LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

No dogs at Makapu'u Lighthouse (Ka Iwi) Trail? Woof?

When I arrived with my dog for our regular walking exercise up the Ka Iwi Trail (Makapu'u Lighthouse) last week, I was very disappointed to learn it is now prohibited to take this walk in the company of my dog.

The fellow told me it was because "someone" made a complaint about dog poop on the trail.

My experience has been for the past 10 years that the vast majority of folks who walk their dogs on this trail take a bag, pick up the doo-doo, and dispose of it properly. Yes, I too have noticed that some folks don't do this, but it is an overreaction to dogs altogether when there are other, better, happier options.

DLNR — please educate and work with the public to keep the trail cleaner and in general become more responsible citizens.

Perhaps post a sign, "Pick up after your dogs," and maybe even provide bags and more trash cans. Even non-dog owners could use reminders to dispose of their empty water bottles and cigarette butts. We count on you to think of and enact solutions instead of simply saying "no." Please reverse this ruling.

DIAMOND HEAD

ALLOW ELDERLY, DISABLED TO ALSO ENJOY RIM VIEW

A few weeks ago on Mother's Day, I did my occasional Diamond Head Crater hike to the top of the rim, and, as always, enjoyed the breathtaking 360-degree view of our city.

Returning back to the parking lot, I noticed a gentleman sitting in a wheelchair outside a van.

Assuming he was a visitor to Hawai'i, I asked him if he was here with friends and/or family. He said his group went hiking up Diamond Head, but he could not go because he was wheelchair-bound.

Currently, there are no facilities at the crater to accommodate those who are disabled or elderly to help them get to the crater rim and enjoy the same scenery as we do.

I hope our state officials consider some sort of tramway or other lifting machine system to take the elderly and disabled to the top of the rim, the smaller unused viewing area just below the already-crowded main viewing spot.

The disabled and elderly should also be afforded the same rights as their younger and healthier counterparts.