In the past weeks I have read the ideas from a number of readers who suggested ways to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in the state.

While each one definitely has merit, I feel that the “elephant in the room” continues to go ignored. In my opinion, the greatest contributing factor to these pedestrian deaths is the lack of respect for stop signs and red lights.

This rebellion against these critical safety devices has become omnipresent in Hawaii. I recall one particular intersection in my Mililani Mauka neighborhood that had an elementary school on one side and a senior housing area on the other. I rarely saw any car make an actual stop. Many barely slowed down.

When drivers make this the routine, stopping for a pedestrian becomes the exception. Reversing this negative safety climate on Hawaii’s highways must become an immediate priority for our leadership.

Randy Jackson

Mililani

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