HONOLULU (KHON2) — Throughout just the first eight months of the year alone, Oahu’s road fatalities are up a significant amount from last year’s, now at 55.
In response to this, the Honolulu Police Department has launched its new campaign, “Safer Roads, Together”. This aims to increase officer involvement in educating people about safer driving habits and also staying safe as pedestrians.
“We want to raise awareness with people in the community that this is a shared Kuleana,” said HPD’s Major Paul Okamoto, “And safer roads can only be achieved if everyone follows a few safety rules.”
The campaign will include officers waving signs at schools and having increased involvement on the physical roads.
“I think you’ll see a lot of officers out there on the road conducting traffic engagements,” said Major Okamoto, “And they will be more aggressive in either giving out warnings or citations as part of this campaign.”
For some, this increased involvement from HPD officers is a step in the right direction, during a year that hasn’t been the best on the roads.
Chevy Saniatan, the mother of Sara Yara, a 16-year-old who was hit and killed by a car crossing the street at McKinley High School, said that she hopes this new initiative can help make a difference.
“You would think after the death of my daughter, everybody would be a little bit more aware on how they’re driving on the street, as drivers we need to take responsibility,” said Saniatan. “I’m glad that HPD is gonna start doing something about this because it really does make me sad to see that the fatality rate is higher than last year.”
Saniatan and HPD officers will start the campaign on Tuesday, waving signs at McKinley High School, reminding drivers to slow down and stay safe.