Big Island traffic fatalities nearly doubled in 2024, contributing to a statewide increase

Traffic-related crashes resulted in 102 fatalities statewide in 2024, which is a 10% increase from 93 fatalities last year, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

Hawaiʻi County saw the second highest number of traffic-related fatalities with a total of 29 — a nearly 100% increase from 15 in 2023.

Of those 29 fatalities, 16 were motor vehicle occupants, 4 were operating off-road vehicles, 1 was a bicyclist and 1 was operating an ATV. There were 7 pedestrians killed this year, 2 of which were homeless.

To be considered a motor vehicle fatality in Hawaiʻi, the fatal crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way customarily open to the public and must result in a death of at least one person within 30 days of the crash.

Of the 102 traffic-related fatalities between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation reported that 24 crash reports listed speeding as the primary contributing factor, 11 were cited as suspected impairment and additional reckless driving behaviors such as such as not wearing a helmet and fleeing the scene of a crash.

Other contributing factors in the fatal crashes include losing control of a vehicle, lying in the road, unexpected pedestrian crossings, and failure to yield to traffic signals. 

Of those killed, 42 were considered vulnerable road users, including 37 pedestrians, a 61% increase compared to 23 last year, and 6 bicyclists, the same number as last year. Of these, 13 were identified as homeless individuals.

To combat the increase in fatalities, the Department of Transportation will continue support the Office of the Governor in identifying effective solutions to mitigate homelessness, and work with communities throughout the state to continue to implement measures to manage vehicle speeds and reduce crash severity. This includes the installation of raised crosswalks and speed humps, the expansion of the red-light safety camera program and the start of automated speed enforcement cameras. 

“Safety is not only about you as an individual driver, rider, or pedestrian,” said Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “It is about making choices that could impact your life or the life of someone sharing the same road as you. We should all strive for a common goal of eliminating fatal crashes on our roads.”

The Department of Transportation conducts an annual behavioral survey and the following is a recap of the 2024 survey of 521 Hawaiʻi residents:

• Speeding is prevalent unsafe behavior among Hawai‘i residents statewide.

Nearly 25% of those surveyed admitted to exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 miles per hour. Over half have exceeded the speed limit by 10-20 miles per hour at least once in past 6 months.

• Driving under influence is a concern.

Twelve percent of car and SUV drivers and 20% of those driving a pickup truck admitted to doing so after 3 or more alcoholic beverages at least once in the past 6 months. Of those surveyed, 23% mentioned riding with a driver who operated the vehicle after 3 or more alcoholic drinks.

• Many residents use mobile devices while operating a vehicle.

Fifty-six percent of car and SUV drivers and 61% of pickup truck drivers admitted to using phones while driving at least once in past six months.

• One-fifth of residents admit to violating traffic law in past 6 months.

Twenty-one percent of car and SUV drivers admitted to driving through crosswalks without checking for pedestrians. A similar percentage admitted to running red lights.

• Some residents not ensuring passengers are properly restrained when driving.

Twenty-three percent of car and SUV drivers reported not checking whether passengers were wearing seatbelts. In pickup trucks, 21% allowed passengers to ride in the truck bed when seats were available in the cab.

Hawaiʻi drivers and passengers are encouraged to start the New Year off right by:

• driving at or below the speed limit;
• putting away cell phones and other distractions prior to driving;
• while driving, especially at night, be prepared to stop for pedestrians and provide at least three feet of space as required by law for bicyclists, and
• being a bold and caring friend or loved one by arranging for a sober ride home for someone showing signs of impairment.

To ensure further efforts in reducing traffic crashes, the Department of Transportation along with traffic safety partners have updated the Strategic Highway Safety Plan and published Hawai‘i’s Vulnerable Road Users Safety Assessment.

The Department of Transportation posts preliminary traffic fatalities when they occur to https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safe-communites/.