Police urge motorists to drive safely and sober during New Year’s weekend

Impaired driving is a problem on Big Island roadways. With the New Year’s holiday right around the corner, the Hawaiʻi Police Department is urging motorists to ring in 2023 by driving safely and sober.

As of Thursday morning, there had been 34 traffic fatalities on Big Island roads in 2022 compared to 26 by the same time in 2021. That’s the highest level of traffic fatalities the island has seen in a decade; the last time there were more was in 2012, when 38 people died in traffic-related incidents.

Of the 26 traffic deaths last year, impairment was a factor in 21, with drugs playing a role in 20 of them. Whether the drug is legally prescribed or illegal, driving while drug-impaired is not only a threat to the driver but also their passengers and everyone else using the road.

“Don’t be the reason someone doesn’t make it home for the holidays,” the Police Department said in a media release.

Big Island police remind all drivers: if you are impaired by drugs, alcohol or both and thinking about driving, just don’t, or pass your keys to someone who is sober. Earlier this month, the department conducted sign-waving events reminding motorists to drive safely.

The Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in full force and on the lookout for impaired drivers during the New Year’s holiday weekend. Motorists caught driving under the influence of an intoxicant will be arrested and go to jail.

Plan before you party.

If you use an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver, and if you think a driver might be impaired, do not get in the car. Take the keys away from a friend who is about to drive while impaired and arrange for them to get home safely.

“Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later,” the department said in its media release, and if you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the police.

Big Island police offered these safety tips:

• Something as simple as cold medication or an over-the-counter sleep aid can impair your driving, which could lead to you being arrested for a DUI. Impaired? Do not drive.
• If you are going to a party or event, plan ahead and designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
• DUI violations are not just for drunk driving. Remember, any impairment, including drugs, is illegal if you are operating a vehicle. Again, if you are impaired by any substance, do not drive.

Those simple tips as well as planning ahead can save you a lot of money and grief.

On average, a DUI could set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher car insurance rates and more. There’s also the consequences of possible jail time and losing your driver’s license and your vehicle.

“Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment,” police said in the media release.