HPD tries to stem
drunken drivingDespite increased enforcement,
traffic deaths are up this year
Police plan to step up traffic enforcement efforts to combat the rising number of traffic fatalities attributed to speeding and alcohol use.
So far this year, 36 people have died in 29 traffic accidents on Oahu roadways. In 93 percent of the crashes, the driver was speeding, and in 58 percent of the fatalities, the driver had been drinking, according to figures compiled by the Honolulu Police Department.
At this time last year, 30 people died in 30 crashes. Speeding was involved in 40 percent of the accidents, and drinking was involved in 27 percent, police said.
Police are at a loss to explain why fatal crashes resulting from speeding and drunken driving are on the rise.
"Enforcement is up this year; still, fatalities are up," said Capt. Jose Gaitan, HPD Traffic Division.
Gaitan said police have made more DUI arrests so far this year compared with the same period last year. He believes driving safety and awareness programs also need to be stepped up.
He said police used to begin traffic enforcement and safety and awareness programs at Thanksgiving, then gradually moved the starting date to high school graduation season.
"I think we need to treat the beginning of the year the same as the second half," Gaitan said.