HONOLULU (KHON2) — Police across the state are gearing up for the New Year’s Eve holiday. Drivers can expect DUI checkpoints through the New Year to ensure people make it home safely.
According to police statistics, there have been 101 traffic fatalities statewide so far in 2024, which is up from the 92 deaths last year.
Hawaii Island has seen an 87% increase in crash fatalities compared to last year with 28 deaths; compared to 15 deaths last year.
Hawaii Island police said at least 10 of those deaths were alcohol-related and four cases are still awaiting test results.
Kauai has seen a roughly 75% increase with seven fatalities in 2024, compared to four in 2023.
On Maui, there have been 14 traffic-related deaths compared to 16 in 2023. Finally, Oahu came in with 52 traffic deaths compared to 54 in 2023.
Hawaii Island police said alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a factor in fatal crashes.
According to data, of the 905 DUI arrests as of Dec. 8, 211 of them involved crashes where alcohol was an identified factor.
“Right now, you’re in the holiday season and everybody’s paying attention to everything else other than the road,” said former Maui Police Traffic Commander William Hankins. “And everybody is in a massive rush.”
“Anytime we see people get together and have drinks, we’ll see more fatalities,” said Hawaii Director of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen.
That’s why drivers should anticipate seeing more police out on the roads.
“On the enforcement side, HPD is putting out more resources to ensure they get more enforcement during night time and DUI checks, so don’t drink and drive because you’re probably going to get caught,” Sniffen added.
Experts said driving impaired, speeding and inattention are the biggest killers.
Sniffen said 40% to 55% of Hawaii fatalities are from drunk or drugged driving; 30% to 35% percent are because of speed, and about 15% to 20% are from distracted driving.
“Those three reasons for crashes are all choices and if we can choose not to do those actions, we can eliminate those actions immediately,” Sniffen said.
Pedestrians also need to be on the lookout for drivers.
According to statistics, 36% of Oahu’s fatalities in 2024 involved pedestrians (19 of 52). Over on Maui, nearly 60% of deaths involved pedestrians (eight of 14).
“If you’re walking or crossing the street, assume 100% of the time that the driver of that vehicle does not see you,” explained Hankins. “You need to be able to look into that driver’s eyes and see that driver and recognize that they see you, and then you know when it’s safe to cross, or whatever the case may be, but always assume they don’t see you.”
He said he’ll continue to fight for traffic laws to change at the legislature, including lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration for Hawaii drivers to .05%, which has not passed since being introduced five years ago.
“If you don’t have the laws on the back end to hold people accountable, and they’re not punished, what’s the point?” he added.