Stepping up safety for pedestrians means more inconvenience for motorists. That’s why many commuters already contending with traffic-clogged intersections might balk at Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal for an islandwide ban on turns at red lights, as well as other road-safety measures.

Invariably, countering calls for more traffic-calming measures and increasing fines for motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians, is the two-way street argument: Both the driver and the pedestrian must be aware of their surroundings and follow traffic laws. Agreed.

But in a collision between the two, the pedestrian is, of course, far more vulnerable to injury or death than the individual behind the wheel of the average 2-ton vehicle. Heartbreaking statistics make it clear that pedestrians in the islands need more protection.

Monday’s horrific crash on Ala Moana Boulevard, which left three pedestrians dead and four other victims injured, brought the number of Oahu pedestrian fatalities to six since New Year’s Day. Last year, there were 28 pedestrian deaths, the highest total in at least 16 years. Statewide, a record-breaking 43 pedestrians were killed in crashes in 2018.

Speeding and driving under the influence — a distinct, deep problem unto itself — are suspected in the Kakaako fatalities; Alins Sumang, 27, is charged so far with three counts of manslaughter. Perhaps no law could have prevented this particular outcome, but the tragedy underscores growing conflicts on increasingly busy streets.

The no-right-turn-on-red proposal was introduced at the Legislature last week. Twin bills, House Bill 185 and Senate Bill 167, would prohibit drivers in a “county with a population greater than 500,000 from making any turns while a traffic control device facing oncoming traffic displays a red signal.” This idea deserves a public hearing.

It’s an idea that’s catching on elsewhere. In Washington, D.C., in response to a rash of fatal collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists, Mayor Muriel Bowser is supporting a push to ban right turns on red lights at about 100 intersections, starting as soon as this month. Bowser has called the move key to stamping out “entirely preventable” crashes.

Honolulu should move in this direction, too, especially in areas taking shape as live-work-play neighborhoods such as Kakaako. The area is filling up with condos, retail and commercial complexes, and pitched as “walkable.” Some rules of the road, however, are out of sync with that vision.

Seven years ago, the City Council adopted a Complete Streets ordinance, joining an emerging nationwide movement that supports safe multimodal travel. It stresses street planning and design tailored for users of all ages and abilities, whether traveling by foot, bus, car, bicycle or any other mode.

When well executed, Complete Streets features public right-of-ways that accommodate people rather than prioritizing vehicles. Neighborhoods embracing a vision that aims to rid residents of car-centric habits need well-defined crosswalks and lower speed limits, among other safety measures.

On Wednesday, Councilman Ron Menor won a tentative Council approval for Bill 83, which allows motorists to “utilize their vehicle’s hazard warning lights to alert other drivers on the road” when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk with multiple lanes.

Honolulu police have weighed in with valid concern regarding confusion about the warning’s intent. Generally, hazard lights signal the presence of a traffic hazard of some sort, requiring motorists to approach with caution. But in practice, many drivers assume the flashing lights mean one thing: a disabled vehicle to be passed.

With a concerted public education effort, the measure holds potential. City and state leaders, in tandem with residents, should now be carefully weighing a wide range of safety-minded laws and crosswalk site upgrades that improve visibility and shielding of pedestrians.

More steps are urgently needed to reduce vehicular dangers pedestrians face on our streets.