The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced the 2026 Safe Roads Challenge, a statewide effort to encourage safer driving habits and reduce traffic fatalities. The initiative introduces a free gamified app for iOS and Android that rewards users for responsible driving.
In 2025, Hawaii experienced its highest number of road deaths since 2007, with 129 fatalities reported. HDOT Director Ed Sniffen stated, “More than 90% of the fatal crashes in 2025 can be attributed to behavior. The Safe Roads App challenges motorists to make the right choices behind the wheel like putting down the phone, following the speed limit and choosing aloha. We’re positively reinforcing good driving behaviors will decrease the number of friends and family that are dying on the road.”
Mike Lambert, Director of The Department of Law Enforcement, said, “Road safety is more important than ever during these times with people speeding excessively, playing on their phones, and simply just not paying attention while driving, causing life-changing injuries and deaths. In partnership with county police departments, our sheriffs will be increasing traffic patrols to identify speeders and people driving under the influence in order to reduce tragedies on our roadways.”
Participants can download the Safe Roads Challenge app from saferoadschallenge.com or through app stores. After setting up an account and enabling location settings, users are automatically enrolled in Hawaii’s team if they select it as their home state. By scoring at least 80 points per trip, drivers become eligible for rewards. Additional features include competing with friends and accessing video tips via YouTube.
Further details about monthly themes, weekly challenges, prizes, and sponsorship opportunities are available on HDOT’s landing page at http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/hawaii-safe-roads-challenge/. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring reward zones can contact the program team by email.
HDOT operates as a state agency overseeing air, land, and water transportation across all six major Hawaiian islands. Its responsibilities include managing airports, harbors, and highways while working with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Highway Administration (https://hidot.hawaii.gov). The department aims to provide safe mobility solutions that support economic growth and quality of life for residents (https://hidot.hawaii.gov).
The first challenge within the app begins January 1, 2026.
