HDOT launches ‘100 Safe Days of Summer’ campaign for Memorial Day weekend

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation alerts the public of this year’s “100 Safe Days of Summer” campaign this Memorial Day Weekend.

In addition, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will be partnering with the four county police departments to encourage motorists to drive sober, drive at a safe speed, and for everyone in a vehicle to wear a seat belt.

According to a news release, the latest data in 2022 showed there were 116 fatalities statewide. Of these fatalities, impairment by either drugs or alcohol, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt continue to be the lead contributing factors.

Speed contributed to 41% of these crashes. 40% of motor vehicle occupants involved in a fatal crash, were not wearing a seat belt.

“There are no excuses for families to lose loved ones in preventable fatal crashes,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “Drivers can make a difference- to slow down and obey speed limits, to plan ahead and not drive impaired- allowing everyone to arrive safely.”

Out of 127 drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 across the state, more than 46% of those killed, tested positive for having alcohol and/or drugs in their systems. Impaired driving-related statistics are currently unavailable for 2022, as toxicology results are still pending.

“This Memorial Day weekend, as we honor our nation’s heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect ours, please remember to keep yourselves and those around you safe,” said Theresa Paulette, Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim services specialist. “Always choose a non-drinking driver to get you to and from your destination and never use alcohol while out on the water.”

This summer, the campaigns, “Click It or Ticket,” “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” and “Speeding Slows You Down,” are each complemented by a step-up in enforcement. Officials will set up sobriety checkpoints, conduct additional saturation patrols, enforce speed limits, and check for seat belts as well as proper child safety restraints throughout the summer months.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation urges roadway users to see the lighting of Aloha Tower as an encouragement to be a hero by committing to driving sober, sticking to a safe speed, and ensuring every vehicle occupant has a seat belt or proper child safety seat.