HONOLULU — “Speeding Catches Up With You” is the new campaign initiated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation aimed at reducing speeding that kills pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and occupants, according to a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • HDOT has launched a new speeding campaign with public service announcements to air through July 31

  • Police will also enforce speed limits throughout the state

  • A survey by HDOT found most Hawaii drivers (car, truck and motorcycle) admit to regularly driving five to 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit

  • Speeding is similar to impaired driving in that it’s a choice that could result in deadly consequences for the driver, their passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians

 

The HDOT is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and other county law enforcements agencies to air speed-focused public service announcements through July 31.

Throughout the state, police will enforce speed limits.

“Regardless of the identified cause of a traffic crash, the cause of a traffic fatality is always speed,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen in the release. “Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases lethality of impacts. Let’s stop speeding and reduce the number of people who die senselessly on our highways.

“We’re continually implementing speed-reduction measures such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, gateway treatments, and roundabouts. “Speeding Catches Up With You” is an opportunity to remind everyone that although speeding can seem acceptable, it could make the difference between life and death for someone,” said Sniffen.

HDOT conducted a survey that found most of Hawaii drivers (car, truck and motorcycle) admit to regularly driving five to 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit.

Speeding is similar to impaired driving in that it’s a choice that could result in deadly consequences for the driver, their passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians. Speeding also reduces the ability of drivers to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve.

“The effects of speeding are deadly and irreversible,” said Jon Nouchi, deputy director of City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. “Drivers have a profound responsibility every time they get behind the wheel for the lives of those around them. People walking, biking and taking transit are the most vulnerable, and sadly the most impacted by traffic crashes. Please remember that these people are our friends, family members and neighbors. Just like you, they deserve to get home safely. Slow down and always drive with caution, thought and care, because lives depend on you.”

More information is available at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.