Deaths from Hawaii island traffic crashes are mounting.
Twenty-five people have died this year, exceeding the 22 fatalities for all of last year.
Four have died in the last two weeks alone. At this pace, Hawaii island could see death tolls reaching the high 30s.
Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri is making a personal plea for Hawaii island motorists to drive with caution: "Try to anticipate erratic driving and be mentally prepared for unexpected dangers. Practice safe, defensive driving and help reduce needless loss of life."
In the last 10 years, Hawaii island has seen a high of 41 fatalities in 2004 and a low of 22 in 2009 and 2011.
Police analysis of the fatal crashes through Wednesday show drugs were a factor in 14 crashes, while alcohol was a factor in eight crashes. Other factors included speed (11), no seat belt (10) and no helmet (four). In some cases, multiple factors occurred in the same crash. In recent cases, toxicology tests are pending.
Sgt. Christopher Gali of the Traffic Enforcement Division said some Hawaii island cases involved fatigued drivers since many commute long distances, while other drivers may have crossed a double solid line on the island’s two-lane highways.
Gali believes a crash that killed a 6-month-old boy who was not in a car seat was the result of a van driver’s fatigue. The driver drove off the roadway, and the van overturned.
"If they’re not impaired, then it’s usually the way they drive, and they decide to do a wrong maneuver, overtaking a double solid line or speeding or reckless type of driving," Gali said. "It’s going to cause a crash, and somebody’s going to get hurt or somebody’s going to get killed."
The four who died between July 29 and Thursday are Wyland K.B. Damaso, 19, of Waikoloa; Clint A. Corfman, 39, of Kurtistown; a 21-year-old Kealakekua man; and Steven T. Coss, 25, of Hilo.
Police have stepped up impaired-driving enforcement. Kubojiri reminds drivers to have a designated driver if they plan to drink and that when they get behind the wheel, they are operating "lethal machinery."
