The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) kicked off the state's 12th annual statewide Pedestrian Safety Month for the month of August.
Pedestrian Safety Month is organized by HDOT’s Walk Wise Hawaii program and features daily public and private pedestrian safety events to share good pedestrian practices and good driving practices when around pedestrians, according to a press release.
“As thousands of residents and visitors return to our roadways, drivers must renew their commitment to looking out for our keiki, kupuna, and all pedestrians,” Jade Butay, Hawaii State Department of Transportation Director, said in a statement. "Although the primary cause for pedestrian crashes is inattentive behavior by both drivers and pedestrians, we urge drivers to put down their cell phones, follow speed limits and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.”
Walk Wise Hawaii (WWH) focuses throughout the year on pedestrian safety education for seniors and elementary to college age students through “Seven Steps to Safety” presentations. Pedestrians are taught to be aware that, statistically, their major dangers include not paying attention in crosswalks, jaywalking, and not being visible when walking at night. WWH’s sister program, Drive Wise Hawaii, focuses on driver awareness of pedestrians by sharing seven tips for drivers to be more vigilant when behind the wheel regarding pedestrian safety.
In addition to social media outreach, WWH will offer free pedestrian clip-on lights and reflective safety bands in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation at public events throughout Pedestrian Safety Month.
Pedestrian Safety Month public partners include the Federal Highway Administration – Hawaii Division, the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services; all County police departments; the Honolulu Police Department’s Community Policing Teams; and Neighborhood Security Watch Teams; and Safe Routes to School.
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SOURCE: Hawaii DOT
