State sees spike in road fatalities compared to last year
DOT warns of stretch of fatal accidents at start of November
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The Maui News
All four counties in Hawaii have seen an increase in fatal road accidents compared to the same time last year, according to state transportation officials, who are warning of a spike in traffic deaths heading into November.
In the first 10 days of November alone, there have been eight traffic-related deaths across the state, bringing the total for traffic fatalities between Jan. 1 and Nov. 9 to 103, which is 25 more deaths compared to the 78 reported at the same time last year, the state Department of Transportation said Monday.
Maui County has seen 17 fatalities so far this year, including six motor vehicle occupants; six motorcycle, moped or scooter operators; four pedestrians; and one bicyclist. From Jan. 1, 2021 to Nov. 9. 2021, Maui County had seen 15 traffic fatalities.
Fatalities during the same period also increased from 39 to 45 on Oahu, from 22 to 33 in Hawaii County and from two to eight in Kauai County.
Comparing the 2021 and 2022 year-to-date fatalities, there has been a 17-person increase in motor vehicle occupant fatalities; a six-person increase in pedestrian deaths; an increase of two fatalities involving motorcycles, mopeds or scooter operators; and an increase of one for bicycle fatalities, according to the department.
"The increase in traffic deaths in 2022 is alarming," said DOT Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen. "Twenty-five people is roughly equivalent to the number of students in a full classroom. HDOT will continue to implement proven safety improvements such as raised crosswalks and no right turns on red, but we need all drivers and riders to follow the rules of the road."
Contributing factors amongst recent deaths in November include motorcycle or scooter operators not wearing helmets, as well as speed and impairment.
According to a DOT attitude and behavioral survey, only 42 percent of motorcyclists surveyed wear a helmet, and 32 percent admit to operating without a license.
In addition, 47 percent of motorcyclists surveyed reported driving through a red light in the past six months and driving while feeling buzzed, while 41 percent admitted to driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit in the past six months, according to the DOT.
The department encouraged operators to review their safety manual and find more information on motorcycle safety at youtu.be/dwRUeZxtGE4.