State officials in Hawaii are urging residents to prioritize safety on the roads as graduation season is in full swing. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and Hawaiʻi Department of Education emphasize caution during this time, with 46 public high school commencements scheduled through May and ceremonies for 10 University of Hawaiʻi campuses happening over the weekend.
This year has seen a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with 53 deaths recorded by May 13, marking a 51% rise compared to the same period last year. These fatalities include various road users: pedestrians, motorcyclists or motor scooter drivers/passengers, motor vehicle occupants, bicyclists (including e-bikes), and skateboarders.
Preliminary data suggest speed contributed to 13 crashes; impairment is suspected in six incidents; failure to yield or improper lane changes were factors in 17 crashes; reckless driving was involved in five cases. Additionally, some victims were not wearing seatbelts or helmets at the time of their accidents.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen stated, “One of the best ways we can honor and celebrate our graduates is to prioritize safety on our roadways to prevent more fatalities.” He advised adherence to speed limits and traffic laws while avoiding impaired driving and distractions.
Hawaiʻi Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi added, “Graduation is a milestone our students have worked incredibly hard to reach…we urge everyone to make safe choices on the road.”
Residents are also reminded about potential increased traffic near graduation venues. Online tools like GoAkamai, Google Maps, and Waze can help monitor conditions and plan routes effectively.
For updates on weekly roadwork and lane closures, visit https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/.
