New Hawaiian Law Seeks to Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities

Honolulu is known for its congested traffic and busy intersections, where tourists unfamiliar with the area face perils from aggressive drivers. In Honolulu, there were 16 recorded pedestrian fatalities in 2012, 19 in 2013, and 25 in 2014. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has responded to this upward trend in pedestrian fatalities by issuing new rules for intersection traffic. Here is an overview of new laws that took effect in January 2015:

Drivers of vehicles must stop and yield the right of way when a pedestrian walking within the crosswalk is on the half of the roadway which the vehicle is traveling or is approaching so closely from the other half of the roadway as to be in danger. The fine for the driver is $97.
Vehicles exiting from or entering a building, alley, private road or driveway must yield to pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk.
Pedestrians cannot enter a crosswalk against a traffic signal or when traffic presents a hazard. When a signal displays the words “Don’t Walk” or an upraised palm, whether flashing or steady, a pedestrian may not enter a crosswalk, although pedestrians caught in the crosswalk have the right of way until they reach the sidewalk. The fine for violating pedestrian regulations is $70.
Pedestrians must use crosswalks in the business district. Pedestrians must walk on the right side of the crosswalk. Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally. Where sidewalks are not available, pedestrians should walk along the left side of the road, facing traffic.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation and local police have been educating the public about the new law, as well as issuing citations. The task of educating the public is complicated by the fact that so many pedestrians in Honolulu and elsewhere are visitors rather than residents.

Pedestrian accidents are an ever-present danger for tourists visiting Hawaii. Visitors imagining an island paradise do not anticipate the aggressive driving that marks Honolulu’s traffic. Many are elderly and cannot cross streets quickly or react to danger. Vacationers also consume alcohol, which can contribute to a pedestrian accident.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should consult a personal injury lawyer immediately. To schedule a free consultation at Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys At Law, call 808.524.1433 or contact us online.