Hawaii has a fatality rate due to distracted driving that is twice as high as the mainland. This alarming statistic has prompted officials to emphasize the importance of preventing such accidents. The Hawaii Transportation Department is urging drivers to prioritize safety by adopting a simple yet effective message: ‘Eyes up, phones down.’ It is crucial for drivers to remain attentive and avoid distractions while on the road.
Arthur Brown resides in the beautiful city of Honolulu.
Brown expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians in the area. He emphasized the potential dangers they face.
Distracted drivers are a common sight, according to him.
He added that he frequently observes drivers engaging in various distractions such as eating, using their cell phones, conversing with passengers, and not paying attention to the driveway. Instead, they focus their gaze solely on the road in front of them.
Ky Lawson, a resident of Honolulu, believes that a greater number of individuals should have a comprehensive understanding of the inherent dangers involved.
“I never use my phone while driving because I prioritize my focus,” she remarked. “If I divert my attention to anything else, I’m more likely to get into a car accident.”
According to Robin Shishido, Deputy Director for Highways at the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the issue at hand is quite significant.
He explained that taking your eyes off the road for five seconds while going at 55 miles an hour can lead to a crash.
In 2022, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported alarming statistics regarding distracted driving. It revealed that approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in the United States resulted in the deaths of 3,308 individuals.
In Hawaii in 2023, distracted driving was responsible for 26 out of the 119 fatal crashes. This year, six out of the 35 crashes were attributed to drivers not paying attention, accounting for approximately 20% of all accidents.
Shishida pointed out that they were more than twice the national average.
There’s no need for things to be that way.
He emphasized the importance of preventing all of this by simply putting that phone away.
