The purpose was to remind drivers to slow down and watch out for pedestrians crossing streets. Pedestrians were also reminded to use crosswalks and always look both ways for vehicles before crossing the street. The group also urged drivers to be extra cautious and watch out for trick-or-treaters Wednesday night.
To help promote safe street crossing, volunteers handed out tricks or treats to pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians were rewarded with treats for proper street crossing and drivers for yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. “Tricks” in the form of warnings and pedestrian safety materials were issued by HPD for those not following pedestrian and driving laws.
Kaimuki High School is located on Kaimuki Avenue, a busy traffic thoroughfare with drivers heading into Waikiki or to Kapiolani Boulevard to access the H-1 freeway on-ramp.
The event also raised awareness of hazardous driving practices including speeding and driving distractions such as using a cell phone as well as pedestrian safety while crossing the street.
According to Farmers Insurance Hawaii Director of Marketing Wenli Lin, drivers need to be aware of speed limits and pedestrians in this area.
"Without the aid of traffic lights, the mid-block crosswalks on Kaimuki Avenue are especially dangerous as drivers have a difficult time seeing pedestrians. We urge drivers to slow down and be extra cautious around these crosswalks, especially this evening when trick-or-treaters are out and about. It is more difficult to see be seen at night, so pedestrians are encouraged to wear light or reflective clothing and reflective lights to be more visible."
The fines for not yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk or jaywalking are $130 each on Oahu.
The traffic safety event was part of the Farmers Hawaii Hot Spots program, which is now in its 10th anniversary of raising awareness for pedestrian and traffic safety statewide.
The Farmers Hawaii Hot Spots program was started in 2002 in response to increased accidents and fatalities due to speeding.
Wednesday’s event is the 72nd Hot Spots Traffic Safety event. Schools or concerned community members interested in holding a Hot Spots event in their neighborhood should contact Farmers Hawaii at 808-544-3988.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
