Police remind motorists to drive safely during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Hawai‘i Police Department is teaming up with U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind drivers to take a proactive role in road safety.

Simply follow and spread this message: “Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.”

“Cellphone use, eating or any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from safe driving is distracted driving,” said Hawai‘i Police Department Traffic Services Section Program Manager Torey Keltner in a police release about Distracted Driving Awareness Month. “Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road, including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show 16,482 people died and about 1.6 million people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers from 2020 to 2024 nationwide.

There were 3,208 people killed in 2024 alone as the result of traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities that year.

An estimated additional 315,167 people were injured in 2024 because of traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

Safe driving requires focused attention.

The key to creating a safe driving environment for everyone on the road is adopting these phone-free driving habits:

• Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
• Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages while you drive.
• Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
• Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.

Cellphone use while driving is not only dangerous, it’s against the law.

It is illegal in Hawai‘i to use handheld mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law also applies when a driver is stopped at a red light or stop sign.

Drivers younger than 18 years old also cannot use any mobile electronic device, including hands-free systems, while driving a motor vehicle.

Violators are subject to fines starting at $347, with higher penalties in school zones or construction areas.

Keep safety in mind during April and throughout the year when driving — keep your eyes on the road and focused on driving.

Remember: “Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.”