Posted at 9:53 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Proposals unveiled to make Hawaii roads safer include red-light cameras
Advertiser Staff
The state Department of Transportation Wednesday unveiled five proposals that officials said would improve safety on Hawai'i's highways.
DOT director Brennon Morioka said he hopes for legislative action in the upcoming session on these measures:
Red-light photo enforcement. This measure would allow installation of cameras at signaled intersections. The cameras would take pictures of drivers who run a red light and result in a fine for the owner of the vehicle. Helmets for moped and motor scooter riders. The DOT believes that helmets should be required for operators of mopeds and motor scooters. The DOT said the measure would include a fine of $70 to $1,000 for violations. Morioka said the measure is needed because Hawai'i has the third-highest fatlity rate in the nation for motorcycle-related crashes. However, as proposed, the bill would not apply to motorcycle riders. Reckless driving. This measure would broaden the definition of reckless driving to include driving too fast, failure to stay in the proper lane, disobeying traffic signs or being drowsy. New restrictions for teen drivers ages 15 to 17 with graduated drivers licenses. The DOT proposes banning a number of activities that could be a distraction while driving, ranging from eating or drinking to reaching for an object or device, texting, grooming, talking on a phone, even with a hands-free device, as well as operating video games and DVD players. The DOT said the measure is needed because from 2001 to 2005, 7 percent of motor vehicle crashes in Hawai'i involved drivers 15 to 17 years of age. More stringent restrictions for drivers with a commercial license. The measure adds penalties for those with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or more, bringing Hawai'i into compliance with federal laws.
