HONOLULU — On Friday, the Hawaii Department of Transportation reported the state’s first traffic fatality of 2024 that took place on Oahu on Jan. 4 at 7:44 p.m.
“Every year we start with zero traffic fatalities but that doesn’t mean the pain and loss of those dying in avoidable crashes the previous year goes away,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen in a news release.
“We are starting 2024 with the tragic death of a 71-year-old man. I urge everyone to avoid the typical dangerous behaviors we see that cause fatal crashes. Don’t drink or take substances that may change the way you drive, slow down and follow the speed limit, and keep your attention on the road and your surroundings,” urged Sniffen.
He said HDOT will continue their work with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities through initiatives such as educating the public on the common factors that cause traffic deaths; installing red-light safety cameras, speed mitigation and installing other “proven safety countermeasures”; and enforcing traffic laws through funding, training and equipment.
HDOT provided a breakdown of traffic fatalities from 2020, urging the public to remember “that each of these numbers was a person.”
The state agency also provides a breakdown of traffic fatalities by county on their website.