August is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the state Department of Transportation’s Walk Wise Hawaii program is holding daily events aimed at promoting safe pedestrian practices and safe driving when around pedestrians.
In the first six months of 2021, 10 of the state’s 44 traffic fatalities involved pedestrians. Last year 21 pedestrians were killed on Hawaii roads.
“Although the primary cause for pedestrian crashes is inattentive behavior by both drivers and pedestrians, we urge drivers to put down their cell phones, follow speed limits and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections,” said DOT Director Jade Butay in a news release.
Major dangers to pedestrians include not paying attention in crosswalks, jaywalking and not being visible when walking at night, according to Walk Wise Hawaii.
Its sister program, Drive Wise Hawaii, released a “Look at Me Now” video featuring local radio personality Krystilez and members of the Angry Locals that aims to reinforce the message that pedestrian safety “is of the utmost importance.” Krystilez was born and raised in Nanakuli and knows many of the victims of pedestrian crashes in his community, the release said.
The video was shot along the Farrington Highway corridor where DOT installed two raised pedestrian crossings at the T- intersection before Piliokahi Avenue and at the highway’s intersection with Laumania Avenue. The raised crosswalks provide drivers with a physical reminder to slow down as they enter a residential area and improves visibility of pedestrians in the raised crosswalks.
In addition to social media outreach, Walk Wise Hawaii is offering free pedestrian clip-on lights and reflective safety bands in partnership with the city Department of Transportation Services at public events throughout the month. “Seven Steps to Safety” and “Drive Wise Hawaii” brochures also will be distributed at community events across the state.
The brochures and event calendar can be downloaded at 808ne.ws/walkwise Opens in a new tab.
This weekend’s events include a presence from 5 to 9 p.m. today at First Friday in Chinatown and a pedestrian safety booth Saturday at the Waianae Farmers Market and Sunday at the Kailua Farmers Market. For information on other upcoming events, call 587-2160 or visit Walk Wise Hawaii on Facebook.
Pedestrian Safety Month public partners include the Federal Highway Administration, county police departments, Neighborhood Security Watch teams and Safe Routes to School.
