HONOLULU (KHON2) — Law enforcement is asking people to stay safe on the roads for the Fourth of July. An alarming trend of drivers impaired by drugs will have them keeping a tight patrol for Independence Day.
It’s not just alcohol. Authorities say in recent years, drugs have outpaced liquor when it comes to impaired driving. According to retired Maui Police Department Lieutenant William Hankins, July 4th is right in the middle of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer when it comes to impaired driving.
A statement sent by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) regarding fatal traffic fatalities states, “In 2022, 25% of drivers tested positive for drugs while six percent tested positive for alcohol, only.”
Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii stated the perception of harm for drugs like marijuana is low because of its normalization making it more likely for individuals try them.
“63% of drivers between 19 and 24 believe that driving under the influence of marijuana is dangerous, while 100% believe driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous,” said the Coalition’s Executive Director, Greg Tjapkes.
According to officials, in 2024, three out of eight fatal crashes involved drugs or alcohol on Maui. On the Big Island, seven out of ten crashes involving impairment were caused by drugs.
“Besides losing your license, paying fines, doing hours of community service, being possibly ordered to get into treatment or rehab, you could wind up paying a private attorney upwards of $10,000,” stated Arkie Koehl, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Public Policy Committee Chairman.
Police say drug-impaired drivers who believe they can fake their way out of a DUI checkpoint better think again. The Hawaii Police Department’s Traffic Services said its officers are always watching for certain behaviors during standardized tests.
“If you take a preliminary breath test in the field with the officer [and] it does not match your impairment that they see, you rule out alcohol and you’re leading down the path of possible drug impairment,” said Lt. Hankins.
If you refuse the tests, you may be arrested and required to complete a blood or urine toxicology report.
Expect to see more patrols and officers on the road for the Fourth of July.
“Always have a plan before drinking, whether it’s using a rideshare program to get home, staying over at a friend’s or family’s house. But please, just separate drinking from driving,” said Honolulu Police Department’s Major Stason Tanaka.