Can “Complete Streets” Reverse Hawaii’s High Rate of Pedestrian Accidents?

When the Hawaii State Department of Health issued its injury prevention plan for the years 2012 to 2017, the rates of pedestrian fatalities for the state were already unacceptably high. Since then, Hawaii has earned the distinction of being the most dangerous state for elderly pedestrians. Back when the Department of Health was drafting the Hawaii Injury Prevention Plan (HIPP), senior residents already comprised 47 percent of pedestrian accident victims, and the fatality rates had increased dramatically across the oldest age groups. Oahu, especially in congested Honolulu, claimed the lion’s share of the victims. Almost all of the victims 65 years or older (80 percent) were hit on Oahu, and the fatality rate for Oahu seniors (36 deaths per 100,000 residents) was dramatically higher than that for seniors on Neighbor Islands (22 deaths per 100,000 residents).

Certain statistics seem to indicate that frustrated commuters dealing with Honolulu’s famous congestion could be at fault. For example, rush hours were peak times for pedestrian fatalities as 27 deadly crashes (21 percent of the total) occurred between 5:31 a.m. and 9:29 a.m., and 40 (31 percent of the total) took place between 5:31 p.m. and 11:29 p.m.  The most common speed zone for a crash was 25 miles per hour. The fact that almost two-thirds of the senior-aged victims (63 percent) were hit in 25 mph or slower zones gives the impression of motorists refusing to slow down or simply not being alert to the presence of slower walking pedestrians.

However, other numbers suggest risk-taking by pedestrians also contributes to the problem, since only 34 percent of the victims were hit in a crosswalk and an almost equal proportion (35 percent) was hit on open stretches of road.  Moreover, more than one-quarter of fatally injured pedestrians (26 percent) tested positive for alcohol, and 25 percent had BAC levels of 0.08% or higher.

With this statistical background, the HIPP recommended that counties adopt “complete streets” policies to design and operate roadways with all users in mind, including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Such a policy would require infrastructural, behavioral, and educational changes to improve safety.

It’s worth noting that we are in year four of implementing HIPP, and dangers to pedestrians have not abated.  If “complete streets” is not the answer for Hawaii, state planners should quickly suggest another.

Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law assists injured pedestrians throughout Hawaii. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, call 808.524.1433 to schedule a free consultation or contact our Honolulu office online.

By Cronin Fried | Published December 9, 2016 | Posted in Pedestrian Accidents | Tagged Hawaii State Department of Health, HIPP, pedestrian injuries | Comments Off on Can “Complete Streets” Reverse Hawaii’s High Rate of Pedestrian Accidents?