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Statewide traffic fatalities top 100

The state Department of Transportation reported 11 additional traffic fatalities in the past month, bringing the statewide tally to 101 as of Monday.

There were 112 traffic fatalities in 2016 through the same period.

“Tragically we are now at 101 traffic fatalities statewide,” said DOT deputy director for highways Ed Sniffen in a statement. “That’s 101 mothers, fathers sisters, or brothers that are lost to their families and friends this holiday season — and beyond. At HDOT we are prioritizing safety in every project we do and we’re asking everyone to make safety on the streets and sidewalks a priority too. Working together, we can reduce Hawaii’s annual traffic fatalities from 101, to 80 or fewer by 2018, toward the ultimate goal of zero deaths.”

The top contributing factors in traffic fatalities are speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and distracted driving.

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 11 this year in Hawaii, there were a total of 59 fatalities involving motor vehicle occupants, 12 involving pedestrians, 23 involving motorcycles, mopeds and scooters (including one motorized bicycle) and six involving bicyclists. One fatality involved an ATV operator.

The highest number of motor vehicle fatalities was recorded in Hawaii County, at 24, followed closely by Honolulu, at 19.

There were, however, no bicyclist fatalities recorded last year compared to six in the same period this year — three in Honolulu County and three in Hawaii County.

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