Kauai police emphasize safe driving

The Kauai Police Department said it is increasing enforcement of laws against distracted driving this month.

Kauai police issued 870 tickets to motorists caught using cellphones or other electronic devices in 2012. Statewide, 20,905 such citations were issued in 2012.

Distracted driving was a factor in 3,092 traffic deaths in the United States in 2010, the state Department of Transportation said.

Kauai Assistant Police Chief Ale Qui­bi­lan said the department hopes more drivers will commit to driving without distractions, "not just because it’s against the law, but because it’s the right and safe thing to do."

For information on the Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign, a state and national effort, go to hidot.hawaii.gov.

Major crashes, DUI arrests dip on Hawaii isle

Major traffic accidents and drunken-driving arrests are down on Hawaii island this year, though the number of traffic fatalities — 11 — is the same as at this point last year, Hawaii County police said.

Major accidents are down 15.6 percent, with 367 through Sunday, police said. DUI arrests are down 6 percent, with 389 so far this year.

Three of the fatalities this year involved alcohol and/or drugs.