Plan ahead and travel safe for your 2023 New Year’s Resolution
Posted on December 30, 2022 in Main, News
HONOLULU – The New Year is upon us and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is reminding the public to enter 2023 with good driving habits and plan trips ahead of time to reach your destinations.
“As a state we have overcome many obstacles together, including the pandemic,” said Ed Sniffen, director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation. “Now let’s put an end to the senseless acts of endangerment and start 2023 on a positive note. Let’s focus on good driving behaviours, avoiding speeding, drink/drug driving, distracted driving and running red lights.”
According to preliminary state data, nearly half of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 tested positive for having alcohol and/or drugs in their systems. In an alarming trend, drug-impaired driving has increased in recent years, with more drivers involved in fatal crashes testing positive for drugs in their systems – 19 percent in 2019, 25 percent in 2020 and 43 percent in 2021. The Hawaii Attitude and Behavior Survey identified that of 516 respondents, individuals admitted to driving after consuming alcohol or using cannabis (21 percent and 15 percent, respectively).
Sniffen says, “There’s no excuse for impaired driving when there are so many other options available, such as assigning a sober driver, using a ride-sharing service, leaving the keys at home, or staying put where you are. Let’s make the responsible choice not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, hold each other accountable, and help each other get home safely.”
HDOT has implemented engineering countermeasures to support safe travel efforts by installing “No Right Turn on Red” signs at intersections with higher than average accident histories, raised crossings and red light safety cameras.
To request a raised crossing on state highways or to report a highway problem, please complete the form below https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cd28795572b3477c99e2da71e9389c2a.
Year-to-date preliminary traffic fatalities are available at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2022/11/Fatality-Breakdown-by-Counties_10012020.pdf
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