As Labor Day approaches, the Hawai'i Police Department is stepping up efforts to encourage safe driving practices among both visitors and residents during the holiday weekend. "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" is the message being amplified by officers in Hawai'i County, as revealed in Hawaii Police Department public awareness campaign focusing on the reduction of traffic fatalities which have surged this year.
With a nearly doubled rate of fatalities compared to last year, heightened patrol activity, including sobriety checkpoints, will be a noticeable feature across Hawai'i Island. As Torey Keltner, Hawai'i Police Department's Traffic Services program manager, stated in a campaign to remind motorists to stay safe, they will be "actively monitoring for impaired drivers." Patrol officers in Ka‘ū, which is the island’s largest district, were seen sign waving on Tuesday afternoon, a strategy meant to catch the attention of those driving by, an effort to remind that a moment of inattention can carry dire consequences.
According to the data shared by the Hawai'i Police Department, Hawai'i County has seen a significant increase in traffic-related deaths, with 19 fatal crashes resulting in 21 fatalities this year—63 percent of which involved drugs or alcohol. Recognizing the threat posed by impaired driving, especially over a historically deadly holiday like Labor Day weekend. Last year, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 490 fatal crashes nationwide during the Labor Day holiday, and 39 percent of those involved a drunk driver.
For ensuring a safe holiday, the Hawai'i Police Department offers a suite of tips: before going out, plan how you'll get home—whether it's public transportation, rideshare, or a trusted friend's help if you've been drinking. When hosting, it's incumbent on hosts to offer guests transportation alternatives. In a fervent plea to the public, Keltner has urged "everyone’s cooperation in making smart, responsible choices" to "enjoy their Labor Day Weekend without the fear of impaired drivers on the road." Fines, license suspensions, and jail time are the stark realities faced by those caught driving under the influence.
The Hawai'i Police Department is also encouraging the public to play a role in maintaining safety on the roads. If you spot an impaired driver, they ask that you do not hesitate to call 911. The collective actions of the department and the community aim to forge a holiday experience devoid of the tragedies that can bloom from the reckless decision to drive impaired.
