HONOLULU — On average, one person dies in a traffic crash every week on Oahu, according to the Department of Transportation Services. At least 10% of these accidents are because drivers do not stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Despite it being the law that drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing the street at an intersection or crosswalk, DTS studies show only 53% of drivers do so.
In order to encourage drivers to stop for pedestrians, DTS is installing signs at nine highly trafficked intersections on Oahu that will report what percentage of drivers stop for people crossing the street. City staff will periodically update the signs.
The signs will be at the following locations:
California Avenue near Makani Avenue (Wahiawa) - 68% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Kailua Road near Hoolai Street (Kailua) - 64% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Kapolei Parkway near Kunehi Street (Kapolei) - 44% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Lunalilo Home Road near Kaumakani Street (Hawaii Kai) - 29% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Moanalua Road near Ualo Street (Waimalu) - 60% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
North King Street near Harvey Lane (Kalihi) - 55% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Punchbowl Street near Miller Street (Downtown) - 64% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
Renton Road near Pahikā Street (Ewa) - 55% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
University Avenue near Kuilei Street (Moiliili) - 36% of drivers stop for crossing pedestrians
These signs come after four pedestrian deaths took place in 2023 on Oahu, including a hit-and-run that killed a 16-year-old girl who was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at Kapiolani Boulevard and Kamakee Street on her way to McKinley High School. Across the state, there have been 12 pedestrian fatalities so far this year.
The signs are part of the Oahu Vision Zero program, which is aimed at ending traffic violence.
“Traffic safety needs community wide action,” said Vision Zero Project Manager Daniel Alexander. “We ask that drivers please look out and always stop for people crossing the street on foot. Follow the law and do your part to keep our communities and roadways safe for everyone.”