City Councilman Ron Menor’s proposed bill, urging motorists to use their flashing hazard lights to warn other motorists of pedestrians crossing on multi-lane streets, is exactly what is needed (“Honolulu drivers might be asked to use hazard lights at crosswalks,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 25).

It is frequently difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible, to see pedestrians crossing streets. Rain, darkness, sun in motorist’s eyes and pedestrians in dark clothing often impede a motorist’s ability to see pedestrians. Further, buses, trucks and large SUVs can completely shield other motorists from seeing pedestrians. With all of these difficult conditions, motorists can effectively help each other by flashing their hazard lights to alert fellow motorists of pedestrians ahead.

This bill is all about motorists working together in the spirit of kokua and aloha.

As Menor noted, “We have a proposal that’s not going to cost the city anything.”

We are therefore looking at an innovative no-cost enhancement to pedestrian safety.

Ed Uchida

Hawaii Kai

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