Police Hold Sign-Waving Event to Promote Traffic Safety

The Hawai’i Police Department wants people on the Big Island to stay safe, and officers recently took to the roadways they protect to raise awareness about traffic dangers.

As part of the police department’s ongoing efforts to educate residents about the dangers of impaired driving, speeding and reckless driving, the Hilo Community Policing Section conducted a sign-waving event Tuesday, Aug. 9, in Honomū.

In the wake of recent traffic fatalities on Highway 19, officers, in partnership with community groups and Hawai’i County Council member Heather Kimball, waived signs along the highway near the 12-mile marker to illustrate to passing motorists the importance of safe driving.

So far this year, there have been 23 fatal crashes on island, resulting in 25 traffic fatalities, compared with 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities, during the same time period last year. This represents an increase of 76.9% for fatal crashes and 92.3% for fatalities.

Big Island police and community groups will conduct another sign-waving event, which will emphasize the importance of driving sober and obeying the speed limit, from 5-6 p.m. Aug. 23 at the same location on Highway 19. The public is encouraged to participate.

In addition to community outreach, officers are conducting additional patrols on Highway 19, focusing on impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous driving behavior.