8-01-24 Police Offer Tips During Pedestrian Safety Month

Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Torey D. Keltner, Program Manager
Phone: (808) 961-2305

Media Release

As part of a statewide effort to increase awareness about pedestrian safety during the month of August, the Hawai‘i Police Department is offering safety tips to Hawai‘i Island motorists and pedestrians.

Each and every one of us is a pedestrian at some point in time. With drivers and pedestrians each doing their part, we can help maintain a safe environment for our island community.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, an estimated 7,318 pedestrians died in vehicle crashes nationwide in 2023. On the Big Island, three pedestrians were killed on our island roadways in 2023 and five pedestrians have been killed so far this year as of August 1.

Safety tips for drivers:

1. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
2. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
3. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
4. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
5. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
6. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Safety tips for walkers:

1. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
2. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
3. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
4. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
5. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
6. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

By everyone doing their part we can help reduce injuries and fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roadways!