Hawai‘i launching free safe driving app to help reduce crashes, save lives

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is launching a statewide initiative for the new year designed to reduce crashes, save lives and promote safer driving habits across Hawai‘i.

The 2026 Safe Roads Challenge turns traffic safety into a game with a free safe driving app, available on iOS and Android, created to reward users for driving responsibly, according to a news release from the state department.

“More than 90% of the fatal crashes in 2025 can be attributed to behavior,” explained Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “The Safe Roads App challenges motorists to make the right choices behind the wheel like putting down the phone, following the speed limit and choosing aloha. We’re positively reinforcing good driving behaviors will decrease the number of friends and family that are dying on the road.”

2025 has been Hawai‘i’s deadliest year on the roads since 2007, with 129 traffic fatalities statewide, including:

• 38 pedestrians (11 homeless)
• 39 motorcycle/motor scooter riders (31 motorcyclists, 8 motor scooter operators)
• 40 motor vehicle occupants
• 7 bicyclists (3 e-bike)
• 5 other non-occupant fatalities (1 homeless)

“Road safety is more important than ever during these times with people speeding excessively, playing on their phones, and simply just not paying attention while driving, causing life-changing injuries and deaths”, said Mike Lambert, Director of The Department of Law Enforcement. “In partnership with county police departments, our sheriffs will be increasing traffic patrols to identify speeders and people driving under the influence in order to reduce tragedies on our roadways.”

Download the Safe Roads Challenge app here, from saferoadschallenge.com or Android/iOS app stores. Create an account and set the app’s location and motion settings to “always allow,” this lets the app record trips distraction-free in the background.

Participants are automatically added to Hawai‘i’s Team upon selecting Hawai‘i as their home state.

The app allows people to compete with friends and family by adding them in the app under the “Friends” tile in the “My Personal Stats” tab.

Scores of at least 80 points earn entries for rewards. To see available challenges, click the “Teams” tab in the app and use the dropdown to filter to the Hawai‘i Safe Roads Challenge. The first challenge begins on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Safe Roads Challenge also has video tips on how to improve in every different component of scoring. Videos can be found on their YouTube page here.

Visit http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/hawaii-safe-roads-challenge/ for more information about specific monthly themes, weekly challenges, prize opportunities and events.

Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring additional reward zones, such as the street fronting a school or their favorite park, are encouraged to reach out to the Safe Roads Challenge team by emailing eileen@saferoadschallenge.com.