Fatal crossings

State officials and police want to further reduce the number of pedestrians killed

Stiff enforcement and education helped keep pedestrian fatalities lower in 2006 than last year and officials and lawmakers hope to cut deaths even more next year by toughening penalties and expanding outreach programs.

So far there were 29 pedestrian deaths throughout the state this year -- 19 of them on Oahu. Last year saw 36 pedestrian deaths statewide, with 26 of those on Oahu. This year's toll is the lowest since 2003, which saw 23 pedestrian fatalities statewide.

PEDESTRIAN DEATHS The following is the number of pedestrian traffic deaths from 2002 to 2006, according to the state Department of Transportation: 2006 » City and County of Honolulu: 19 » Hawaii County: 6 » Maui County: 3 » Kauai County: 1 » Total: 29 2005 » City and County of Honolulu: 26 » Hawaii County: 8 » Maui County: 1 » Kauai County: 1 » Total: 36 2004 » City and County of Honolulu: 24 » Hawaii County: 1 » Maui County: 4 » Kauai County: 2 » Total: 31 2003 » City and County of Honolulu: 14 » Hawaii County: 8 » Maui County: 1 » Kauai County: 0 » Total: 23 2002 » City and County of Honolulu: 25 » Hawaii County: 3 » Maui County: 5 » Kauai County: 0 » Total: 33 Source: State Department of Transportation

Despite the decrease, other statistics show that Hawaii had the 11th-highest pedestrian fatality rate in the nation, and the highest among those age 65 and older. In 2004, Hawaii was ranked fourth in the nation.

Police attribute the decline to increased patrol and enforcement, as well as educational outreach efforts.

As of Thursday, the Honolulu Police Department had issued 2,157 citations to motorists and pedestrians for violating pedestrian laws, said Traffic Division Maj. Susan Dowsett.

State Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa said he also believes there is more awareness of a tougher pedestrian law that requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the street.

Police are also getting tough with pedestrians who disobey traffic signals and jaywalk.

"Officers are instructed to take enforcement action or educate the violator," Dowsett said.

The state Department of Transportation's Walk Wise Hawaii education program is also credited with increasing awareness of traffic safety.

The effort, which began last year, focuses on keeping senior citizens safe while crossing the street. The state spent about $100,000 for public service announcements and other educational materials.

In 2007, federal funds will be available through the Safe Routes to School program, which is aimed at parents and school-age children, Ishikawa said.

Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to introduce legislation to increase pedestrian safety, said spokesman Russell Pang. The details of the governor's proposal are not yet available, but Pang said it may involve toughening penalties. Drivers who violate the crosswalk law now are fined $97. Jaywalkers are fined $70.

The state Transportation Department also is using two highway speed indicators on Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo to help slow drivers down.

"I think most people don't realize how fast they're going," Ishikawa said. "There are two types of speeders: that group, and the chronic speeders," such as racers.

Ishikawa said the department is studying whether drivers slow their speed once seeing the signs, which record the data. If there are certain times in the day where speeding spikes, the information is given to law enforcement so they can man those areas to ticket speeders.

AARP-Hawaii is pushing installation of more countdown timers at signal crossings. In a recent AARP audit of crosswalks, 37 percent of 50 crosswalks surveyed didn't provide a normal person enough time to cross.

Ishikawa described the current relationship between drivers and pedestrians as a "Me vs. Them" behavior, and said changing it can't happen overnight.

"It's kind of an attitude change really," Ishikawa said. "We're just going to have to remind that they both need to watch out for each other."

SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS » When preparing to cross a crosswalk, don't assume that the driver sees you. Make eye contact before stepping onto the roadway. » Drivers in other lanes may not be able to see you. Be prepared to yield to vehicles in each lane that you cross. » If a bus or other large vehicle is blocking your view, it is also blocking other drivers' views. Consider waiting until the large vehicle leaves before crossing. » Enter the roadway at the crosswalk, and do not cut corners. Drivers making right turns may not see you. » Remember: Crossing on a red signal at an intersection is like running a red light -- extremely dangerous. » Wear light-colored clothing or reflective material. » Pedestrians crossing a roadway at any point other than marked with a crosswalk must yield the right of way to all vehicles. » It is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon adjacent roadway, bicycle lane or bicycle path when sidewalks are provided. FOR DRIVERS » Stay focused and alert for sudden pedestrian movement in your car's direction when driving. » Remember that pedestrians crossing multi-lane streets may be hidden from your view by a stopped car until they cross in front of you. » Be extra vigilant when it is dark out, as most pedestrian fatalities occur at dawn or dusk. » Anticipate crossing difficulties from seniors to help prevent accidents. Source: Honolulu Police Department and state Department of Transportation