Traffic deaths statewide have jumped nearly 30 percent this year, and police say it will take everyone to turn the tide.
From the doubling of fatalities on Maui to the hit and run tragedies on Oahu, Hawaii’s roads are more dangerous this year than last.
The hit-and-run death of mother of three Lany Salva was another in a string of tragedies on the roadway.
"Wherever the guy is right now just come and surrender so we can get the justice for my wife,” said Norman Salva, Lany’s husband.
Her family and community supporters sign-waved in Kaneohe Wednesday, asking drivers to slow down, and hoping the culprit will come forward.
"Drivers have the responsibility to stop and give care. Somebody knows about every single one of these hit and run collisions and crashes that we’ve had,” said Maj. Kurt Kendro of the Honolulu Police Department.
Road safety is everyone’s job
While families and authorities want them to come forward, police want motorists and pedestrians elsewhere to do more themselves too.
"We need drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, moped riders,” said Maj. Kendro. "We need anybody whose using the roadway to do so safely and to look out for those other vehicles are also on the roadway."
So far that’s happening less this year than last.
On Oahu there have been 43 traffic fatalities so far compared to 34 the same time last year.
Maui has more than doubled at 16 versus 7.
Kauai is flat at 6 and the Big Island is up to 24 from 22.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the Oahu motorcycle fatalities are more than double the number a year ago.
Pedestrian deaths are up 44 percent even though 5 of those were in a crosswalk.
Police say they are cracking down across the board.
"With the 3-day weekend coming up this weekend, there will be increased enforcement for occupant protection, alcohol enforcement for impaired drivers, mobile electronic devices enforcement, and we’re going to be doing pedestrian enforcement as well,” said Maj. Kendro.
Honolulu police remind anyone with tips about those hit and runs to call CrimeStoppers at #955-8300.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
