Every year, dozens of pedestrians are killed in Hawaii while crossing the street, walking along roadways, or traversing our sidewalks. According to the State of Hawaii Preliminary Traffic Fatalities Report, from January 1 through July 30, 2020 there were eight pedestrian fatalities. This number is considered lower than some years, but is likely impacted by the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. To address this growing epidemic of pedestrian accidents and fatalities, Hawaii designated August as Pedestrian Safety Month.
The Walk Wise Hawaii pedestrian committee works alongside the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to educate the public on good pedestrian practices and driver awareness of pedestrian movement. Here are the Walk Wise Hawaii pedestrian safety tips:
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Always cross the street at a crosswalk. When no crosswalk is available, please cross at a corner.
- Be vigilant. Always look left-right-left and continue to look while crossing the street.
- Do not enter the crosswalk if the light indicator is counting down. The countdown is for pedestrians already in the crosswalk.
- Always walk when crossing the street. Never run.
- Always wear bright or reflective clothing when walking between dusk and dawn.
- Always watch for vehicles backing out of driveways or parking stalls. Drivers do not always see you.
- If there is no sidewalk, always walk on the side of the roadway facing on-coming traffic.
Also, be mindful of sidewalk/crosswalk rules and regulations, such as:
Sidewalk/Crosswalk Rules & Regulations
- The fine for pedestrians who jaywalk is $130.
- The fine for pedestrians who begin crossing when the countdown signal begins to flash is $130. However, if you are already in the crosswalk when the countdown signal begins to flash, you are not violating the law and should finish crossing the street.
Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, please be safe, be aware, and let’s work together to make our streets, crosswalks, and sidewalks safer for our communities.
For more information about pedestrian safety, please visit this website.
DISCLAIMER: This post provides general information, but does not constitute legal advice in any respect. No reader should act or refrain from acting based on information contained in the post without seeking the advice of an attorney in the relevant jurisdiction. Hew & Bordenave, LLLP expressly disclaims all liability in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this post.
