According to recent reports, 2018 has been one of the deadliest for pedestrians in Hawaii. Statistics show that since the beginning of the year, there have been 20 traffic fatalities – 14 of these involve pedestrians – compared to one last year during the same period.
Nine people were struck while crossing the street, of which six were not in crosswalks. Another five were hit while outside of their cars, and are included in the total numbers.
As a result of the spike in accidents, the Hawaii Department of Transporation is beginning a public safety campaign aimed at raising awareness safe driving and pedestrian behaviors. The Department is also welcoming suggestions from the public for its highway safety messages on social media.
Unfortunately, Hawaii often ranks high for pedestrian accidents. Several factors are at play. First, its pleasant year-round climate encourages residents to be outside and walk or bike increasing the numbers of people on foot. Further, many often areas with many pedestrians are near crowded and busy roadways.
Additionally other factors such as drunk driving, distracted driving and speed remain a serious concern with reckless driving believed to be a contributing factor in nearly half of the deaths.
For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact the dedicated Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
