Pedestrian deaths spur increased enforcement

As a response to the escalating number of pedestrian fatalities so far this year, police will begin patrolling intersections where there is a lot of foot traffic.

Already there have been 15 pedestrian deaths, putting Oahu on pace to exceed the 17 pedestrians deaths on average per year. The 15 pedestrians were among a total of 39 traffic-related fatalities this year, police said.

The pedestrian death total has prompted beefed-up enforcement of the crosswalk law for drivers and jaywalking laws for pedestrians, Police Chief Louis Kea­loha said at a news conference Tuesday.

"Our goal is to deter dangerous and illegal behavior and save lives," Kea­loha said.

Law requires a driver to stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same side of the roadway on which the driver is traveling. The fine for violating the law is $97.

Kealoha said increased surveillance at high-traffic intersections will likely result in more tickets being issued.

Community outreach and partnerships are crucial to traffic safety, Kea­loha said.

"No matter how much enforcement we do, no matter how strong our education and prevention programs are, the responsibility lies with the pedestrians and drivers themselves," Kea­loha said. "The key here is not enforcement; the key here is getting people to take responsibility for their own safety."

Bruce Bottorff, associate director of communications for the American Association of Retired Persons Hawaii, said traffic safety measures require changes in a traffic plan that’s now geared toward vehicular — not pedestrian — efficiency. AARP is particularly interested in crosswalk safety because Hawaii’s seniors are often vulnerable to roadway dangers, Bottorff said.

Bottorff said he is concerned that old habits will return once the HPD ends its campaign. "If you go into a community, issue citations in a flurry and then go away, in three to four weeks people will assume their (former) behavior," he said.

At the news conference, Kea­loha cited a number of safety tips, urging pedestrians to walk within the designated crosswalk with "purpose" and to refrain from using cellphones and music devices while doing so.

"Although pedestrians may have the right of way in a crosswalk, you don’t want to be right and dead," Kea­loha said.

A person caught jaywalking is fined $70.

Under a new law that took effect this month, there are increased penalties for motorists who kill or seriously injure a law-abiding pedestrian, cyclist, roadway worker or emergency responder. The so-called vulnerable-user law was backed by the Hawaii Bicycling League and other groups and signed into law July 10.