A total of 82 people were killed in traffic related fatalities statewide in 2018, according to data compiled by the state Department of Transportation. At the same time last year there were 72 fatalities.

***The figure was updated today to reflect data through Sept. 16, 2018.***

HDOT is encouraged by the fact that fewer motor vehicle occupants and bicyclists have been killed this year; however the number of pedestrian fatalities has risen to 25 which is 525% higher than last year at this time.

HDOT displayed the fatality statistic on digital message boards around Oʻahu on Friday as a reminder to people heading into the weekend to drive safe and sober.

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“We are glad people are taking storm preparedness seriously. We also want people to take driving and pedestrian safety seriously,” said Director Jade Butay, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. “When someone drives under the influence or distracted, that is no accident, it is a choice. One bad decision behind the wheel can impact a family for life.”

“We ask people to remind their friends and family, especially younger drivers, about safe driving. Speak up if you think someone shouldn’t get behind the wheel or if you are in a car and the driver starts to text,” said Deputy Director Ed Sniffen, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Highways Division. “Pedestrians need to stay alert and shouldn’t assume cars will stop for them.”

HDOT is reminding all of Hawaiʻi’s roadway users to follow the laws and pay attention to stop the tragic and preventable deaths on the roadways. HDOT is continuing its pedestrian safety messaging through Walk Wise Hawaiʻi to help educate the public.

January 1, 2018 through Sept. 16, 2018

Motor Vehicle Occupants Pedestrians M/C, Moped, Scooter Operators Bicyclists ATV Operators TOTAL C&C of Honolulu 14 17 10 – m/c’s 5 – moped 1- scooter Total – 16* 0 0 47 Hawaii County 12 4 4 – m/c’s 0 – moped 0-scooters Total – 4 1 0 21 Maui County 5 3 4 – m/c’s 1 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total -5 0 0 13 Kauai County 0 1 0 – m/c’s 0 – mopeds 0 – scooters Total -00 0 0 1 TOTAL 31 25 25* 1 0 82

*= 1 Electric/motorized bicycle

January 1, 2017 through Sept. 16, 2017