Waimanalo death renews
calls for pedestrian safety

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

Pedestrian safety is the Honolulu Police Department's No. 1 priority to prevent traffic fatalities, said Maj. Robert Prasser of the Traffic Division.

Oahu recorded its seventh pedestrian traffic fatality of the year yesterday when a 43-year-old Waimanalo woman ran across Kalanianaole Highway near the Waimanalo Beach 7-Eleven Store and was struck by a pickup truck. There were 24 pedestrians who died in traffic accidents on Oahu in all of last year.

Police are alarmed at the increase.

"They do seem to be increasing. We're not exactly sure why. We give community talks, we have speakers available. But I think a lot of what needs to be done is pedestrians have to be aware, just because they're in a crosswalk doesn't necessarily mean it's safe, " Prasser said.

He said it is safer for pedestrians to assume that drivers do not see them rather than assume that they do. And motorists also need to be more cautious when it comes to pedestrians, especially children, because they can be so impulsive, Prasser said.

On Oahu, the number of traffic fatalities is up: 17 so far this year compared to 9 for the same period last year.