Highways

New Year Driving Safety Tips

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, human error causes 95% of all motor vehicle crashes.

While that statistic is alarming, the good news is that we have the ability to save lives by making good choices in all forms of transportation we use.

Here’s a few ideas for New Year’s resolutions to keep yourself, loved ones and others in the community safe:

Impaired Driving: • Make a plan for a safe way home before you head out for the night. If you plan on drinking, leave your car key at home. Designate a non-drinking friend to be your driver, call a taxi or use public transportation. • If someone you know is drinking, do not let the person get behind the wheel. • If you see a drunk driver, call the police when it is safe to do so. It is your business, and it could save a life.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians: • As you are crossing in front of stopped cars, make eye contact with the drivers of oncoming cars to be sure they see you and are slowing to stop before crossing in front of them. • Remain vigilant while crossing, continue to look for vehicles that may not see you. • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk FACING traffic. • Dress to be seen. At night wear special reflective material on your clothing, shoes or hat.

By: Lee Nagano

• Obey all traffic signs and signals. • It is illegal to enter the crosswalk when the red hand begins to flash.

Safety Tips for Drivers: • Always be vigilant. Look for pedestrian movement in your direction. • Be aware that pedestrians can be hidden from view by stopped vehicles on multi-lane roads. • When driving between dusk and dawn, watch for pedestrians in dark clothing. • Make sure you are fit to drive. • Don’t be tempted to use you cell phone while driving. Not only is it illegal, but very dangerous and could mean the difference between life and death. • Obey traffic signs and traffic control devices. • Use your turn signals. • Do not tailgate.

Seat Belts/Child Restraint: • Always wear your seat belt. It can increase your chances of surviving a motor vehicle crash by as much as 45 percent. • Hawaii’s Universal Seat Belt law requires all occupants to wear a seat belt, even in the back seat. • Research shows that properly used child safety seats can reduce deaths by as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. • In Hawaii, children under the age of 4 are required to ride in a child safety seat; children 4 through 7 years of age must ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat. Violators are required to appear in court, and if convicted,

Highways

HWY-P Welcomes Austin Rose

By: Rachel Roper

On November 15, the Highways Division Planning Branch welcomed a new employee.

Austin Rose joins the Systems Planning Section, where his main focus will be on long range planning.

Austin graduated from Michigan State University in 2013 with a BS in Civil Engineering (Go Spartans!). He briefly worked for the Michigan DOT after graduating before moving to Hawaii where he was primarily with DTS in the Traffic Operations Division and briefly as a planner for Complete Streets.

He obtained his PE early this year and is very excited to work on the long-range plans for Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island.

His hobbies include snorkel/scuba, triathlons, lots of hiking, and soccer.

He welcomes any challenge to Settlers of Catan or Mario Kart.

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS continued from page 7

must attend a four-hour class. They may also be assessed a penalty of up to $500. • Keep children rear facing for as long as possible, up to the maximum height or weight allowed by their particular car seats. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, he or she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat, a child should ride in a booster seat until tall enough to fit in a seat belt properly. • The safest place for all kids under 13 years of age is in the back seat.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists: • Wear a DOT-approved helmet to reduce severe injuries and death • Dress for protection and visibility. • Be realistic. Know your limits – don’t ride above your skill level. • Take an approved rider safety course to fine tune existing skills and learn new skills. • Inspect your bike before you ride. • Become familiar with your bike before going into high traffic areas. • Make sure that you are fit to ride. Don’t ride while tired, under the influence or otherwise impaired. • Obey traffic laws and be aware of other roadway users, including pedestrians.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists: • Wear a DOT approved helmet to reduce severe injuries and death. • See, be seen and be predicable. • Wear bright or light colored clothing to increase your visibility. • Don’t weave in and out between parked cars. • Don’t pass on the right as motorists may not see you on their right.