HONOLULU (KHON2) — It is often said that driving is the most dangerous thing people do daily. For the City and County of Honolulu, there have already been more than double the amount of traffic incidents in 2025 compared to 2024.
But safety doesn’t only matter behind the wheel. According to Major James Slayter of the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division, a high number of motorcyclists and pedestrians have been killed as a result of a collision.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety matters just as much as driver safety, and Slayter says pedestrians can do several key things to stay safe.
“For pedestrians, the concerning thing is we’re seeing a lot of people crossing outside of marked crosswalks, crossing against the red palm, and in some cases they were actually walking into the lane of traffic,” he said. “[It’s] very dangerous. It doesn’t give drivers enough time to react, not expecting to see a pedestrian in the middle of the roadway.”
Motorcycle Safety
For motorcyclists, Slayter says that slowing down and wearing proper safety equipment can be the difference between life and death.
“Speed has been a common factor, as is not wearing a helmet. Helmets save lives,” he said. “Anytime you are traveling higher than the posted speed limit, it’s going to give you less time to avoid a traffic hazard, less time to avoid another driver or anything that could potentially get you into a collision.”
Driver Safety
According to Slayter, unsafe driving can come in many forms, with one major factor being negligence of traffic laws.
“First off, always obey traffic laws. Whether it’s a red light, stop sign, just following lane markings, basic things like that. Most importantly: Obey the speed limit,” the major said. “Slow down. Plan ahead, leave a little early that way you don’t have to speed. Ultimately slowing down is going to give you more time to react to any kind of traffic hazard or anything that’s gonna happen unexpected.”
Secondly, not engaging in distracting behavior dramatically reduces risk, with Slayter saying there are three types of of distractions that can be remembered with the acronym “MVC.”
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve any activity in which the driver’s hands are off the wheel or other essential motor device. This can happen when drivers look at their cellphones, are eating or doing makeup.
There have even been situations of drivers shaving while driving, Slayter said.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur whenever the driver takes their eyes off of the roadway or path of travel. This can happen when making eye contact with your passenger or looking at something happening on the side of the road.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions happen when your mind is not fully dedicated to driving — thinking about what happened at work, thinking about who you need to text or even what you’re going to have for dinner could all lead to distracted driving.
“The cellphone is the deadliest of the distractions because it involves all three of those [distractions],” Slayter said. “We really want to try and make sure people put away any kind of distraction and focus on your travel.”
Finally, Slayter said to never drive while impaired. Any amount of intoxicant can tamper with your judging and motor skills, which not only endangers yourself, but your neighbors you share the road with.