State traffic fatalities down so far this year

Hawaii has seen 11 fewer traffic fatalities so far this year compared to the same time last year, and state Department of Transportation officials hope both drivers and pedestrians exercise caution throughout the holidays.

“We’re asking people to avoid the behaviors that can contribute to preventable deaths on the highways,” said DOT spokeswoman Shelly Kunishige. “Obviously around Christmas and New Year’s there are parties and increased consumption of alcohol. Even just one drink could lead to your impairment. We’re trying to prevent fatalities wherever we can.”

The DOT has posted “mocktail” recipes and safety tips for pedestrians at hawaiishsp.com.

As of Monday, the state had 101 traffic fatalities, compared to 112 last year at the same point.

Eleven of the fatalities this year occurred just since Nov. 15.

“Tragically, we are now at 101 traffic fatalities statewide,” Ed Sniffen, the DOT’s deputy director for highways, said 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.”

Last year, 21 deaths involved “distracted driving,” a category that includes the use of cellphones and other hand-held devices for texting, talking and other activities that can disrupt a driver’s focus on the road. They amounted to 13.7 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2016.

The fine for using a mobile electronic device while driving starts at $257 and is higher if the violation occurs in a school zone or construction area, Kunishige said.

This year so far, as usual, Oahu had the greatest number of fatalities — 44 — followed by Hawaii island with 35.

Last year at the same time, Oahu saw 54 fatalities compared to 30 for Hawaii island.

Statewide, the majority of deaths — 59 — involved motor vehicle occupants. There were also 16 motorcycle fatalities and 12 pedestrian deaths.