Press Release: Halloween Safety Alert for Drivers and Pedestrians in Hawaii
HONOLULU (KHON2) — As Halloween approaches, officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety amid the excitement of trick-or-treating. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local law enforcement are gearing up for a potentially dangerous night for child pedestrians.
“Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for child pedestrians,” said Makena Young, MADD Hawaii Program Manager. Statistics show that more children are killed in vehicle accidents on Halloween than any other day, often due to impaired driving.
Theresa Paulette, MADD Hawaii Victim Services Specialist, highlighted the risks teenagers pose, noting their tendency to feel invincible. This concern is personal for Paulette, who lost her 15-year-old son to a drunk driver. “The loss of a child is forever. You carry that grief with you always,” she shared.
Data from MADD indicates that in 2022, Hawaii recorded 116 traffic fatalities, with 20% involving impaired drivers. Alarmingly, in 2023, half of all traffic-related deaths on Oahu were linked to alcohol or drugs.
Adding to the danger, distracted driving remains a significant issue. Major James Slayter of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) urged motorists to stay vigilant, especially with children eager to cross streets while trick-or-treating. “Expect the unexpected,” he cautioned, as children may dart into roadways without warning.
To enhance safety this Halloween, HPD will conduct increased enforcement, including saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints at various locations. Parents and drivers alike are urged to remain alert and responsible, ensuring a safe Halloween for everyone on the roads.
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