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Fewer traffic fatalities recorded on Hawaii roadways

There have been 90 traffic fatalities in Hawaii this year through Monday — 10 fewer than reported at the same time last year, according to data released by the state Department of Transportation today.

But while there were fewer fatalities, five bicyclists died while there were no bicycle fatals in the same period for 2016.

The highest number of traffic fatalities from Jan. 1 to Nov. 13 occurred in Honolulu, which recorded 37; followed by 32 in Hawaii County; 15 in Maui County; and six in Kauai County.

In Honolulu, the highest number of fatalities were motor vehicle occupants (18), followed by motorcycle, moped and scooter operations (12). There were three pedestrian deaths, three bicyclist deaths and one ATV operator death.

During the same time period in Honolulu last year, there were a higher number of pedestrian deaths (18) compared to motor vehicle occupants (17), motorcycle, moped and scooter operations (11) and zero bicyclist or ATV operator deaths.

Statewide, pedestrian deaths, at five so far this year, number far fewer than the 27 recorded last year. Hawaii data this year also reveals five bicyclists died while there had been none at the same time last year.

The state transportation department reported no pedestrian deaths or serious incidents on Halloween, consistently one of the top three days for vehicular-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the nation. There were, however, seven traffic fatalities on Hawaii roads in the past month.

“Mahalo to the pedestrians and drivers in communities across our state for looking out for each other this past Halloween,” said transportation deputy director for highways Ed Sniffen in a written statement. “Even though we are framing the conversation with data, each of these numbers represent one more person who died on one of our roads. Let’s work together toward a goal of 100 percent safe arrivals, so that every mother, father, son, and daughter, comes home safe every day.”

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