Two tragic pedestrian accidents this week on Maui and Kauai caught our attention. One Kauai woman was killed and two visitors were critically injured. Of the two visitors, one was walking in a marked crosswalk at the time, while the other was not. Can these tragedies be avoided? We have some insights based on what we see frequently.
Kauai pedestrian accident.
In the first incident, police arrested the driver in the accident in Kapaa that both killed one Kauai woman and injured a woman visitor.
The driver, age 65, was charged with negligent homicide, negligent injury, and inattention to driving. Neither speeding nor impairment is believed to have been factors.
The incident occurred last Monday, September 19, when the two women were struck while crossing in a marked crosswalk. The Kauai resident, Tanya Ruiz, died Thursday. She is survived by her three children. There is a GoFundMe page that has been set up. The other woman, a 52-year-old California resident, remains hospitalized, has been upgraded to stable condition, and is expected to make a complete recovery.
Maui pedestrian accident.
Then on September 24, a 41-year-old woman from Indiana suffered critical life-threatening injuries when she was struck by a vehicle in Kihei.
The circumstances surrounding the incident aren’t completely clear. A preliminary report showed that she was standing in the southbound lane of traffic when she was hit by the car. She did not appear to be in a marked crosswalk. Police said that while speed was not a factor, the investigation is still in process.
The incident was described by Maui police as being near-fatal. The woman was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center. The car was driven by a 29-year-old Maui man, who was accompanied in his Nissan car by a 30-year-old woman.
South Kīhei Road was closed between Leilani Road and Ohukai Road from around 8 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. while police conducted an investigation.
Can these Hawaii pedestrian tragedies be avoided? We have some insights from what we frequently see.
For drivers:
- Be watchful of pedestrians and expect people to cross the road here unexpectedly. Know that pedestrians may think that our smaller-looking roads are somehow safer than on the mainland. We’re not sure what else to say.
- Speeding is a significant problem here and is a major factor in many accidents.
- Please don’t make U-Turns on roads and highways in Hawaii.
- Be careful about distractions caused by photo opportunities or other beautiful surroundings.
- Plan your driving route in advance to avoid dangerous, last-minute changes.
- DOT Dep. Director Ed Sniffen said recently that “the faster the vehicle involved in a (pedestrian) collision is traveling, the less likely it is that the person hit will survive. Nine out of 10 people hit by a car at 20 MPH will live — double the speed to 40 MPH and only 1 out of 10 will survive.”
For pedestrians:
- It can be deadly to cross the road or highway whether or not you’re in a marked crosswalk. To be frank, we personally witness visitors crossing under dangerous conditions frequently. Please keep your wits about you, and realize this is a life or death matter. We want you to be safe
- Cross in marked crosswalks wherever they exist!
- Don’t expect cars to see you or stop for you.
- Be extra cautious during times of dim light and when sun could obscure pedestrians from drivers’ views.
Great suggestions from our readers:
Ken said, “I have for along time mentoned that crosswalks without traffic control devices, red lights or stop signs are dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers are accumstomed to obeying red light and stop signs. They typically just drive thru the area where there is just a crosswalk. Therefore, a pedestrian needs to cross in a crosswalk as if he is crossing a street without a crosswalk and look both ways to make sure no car is coming. If cars that are coming are slowing down and stopping you can cross otherwise wait until the road is clear before crossing.”
Kauaidoug added, “Regarding the accident in Kapaa, that time of dusk, night and along that area can be very dangerous. I was with a friend who because of the glare of lights almost hit someone if I had not said something in a crosswalk. It was very close and I can see how this might have occurred in this incident. As we all know who live or have visited Kauai our roads are not lit at all. We have a lot of people on unfamiliar roads, on vacation and in cars they have never driven before. This all adds up to accidents happening anytime so beware but enjoy your visit.”
Lani said, “Our Dad’s advice: using a crosswalk is the best precaution; however, please continue to be observant while crossing. As kids, we would tell our Dad, “I’m on the crosswalk and I have the right of way, so they gotta watch and stop for me, not the other way around.” My Dad replied, “Would you rather be dead being right or be cautious and alive?”
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Bicycle Riders believe that They alone have a Mandate from the Government to do as they please. They’re Aware that if they are hit, or bumped, by any vehicle they will win the “Insurance Lottery!” They are subject to the Exact Same Driving Laws and Rules as Everyone Else, how often has Anyone seen a Bicyclist pulled over by Police? It’s Time for Equality on the roads!
One important point also when crossing a street, wherever you may live is to walk as quickly as possible. Too often people stroll at a leisurely pace and it’s better to just get across. I keep my head on a swivel when I cross intersections. You have to look out for yourself.
A huge problem in Hawaii is requiring very low vision street lighting because of bird loving politicians. They’d rather see more birds at the risk of endangering human life. Our streets & crosswalks are therefore very unsafe after sunset.
Put the phones down people. What’s on your phone is not that important in the grand scheme of things.
This pedestrian/car thing is not just a problem on Kauai. It’s prevalent with most of the USA. When walking, I have a very big rule. Always make eye contact with the driver of the car, it works very nicely.
Aloha
Roy your suggestion is a good one for most of the drivers, getting eye contact very often makes the difference between Safely Crossing and Injury or Death. Most Drivers will Stop, however, I and others will Attest to those incidents of eye contact that acts more like a “Homing Beacon” for the Aggressive and Ignorant. Dodge Ball was never meant to be played with a Dodge, Chevy, etc!
On the mainland a lot of crosswalks in higher use areas use flashing lights both on the crosswalk and on the sides like a light and this really helps drivers see when someone is in crosswalk. Maybe that would help in certain areas.
I can’t tell you the number of times in the past few years that a bicyclist has quickly run in front of my car in Kapaa at dusk or at night. Most have had on little or dark clothing and no lights or reflective material. Your advice is particularly relevant to local bikers!
This is tragic and another pathetic example of Hawaiis car centered culture. —when will the mindset finally take place in Hawaii that the roads are not just for cars?-what a hostile culture we live in-
Just returned from a vacation in Italy where twice a day,the main road is closed for pedestrians,and yes,there is traffic on the other road but it is an excepted part of the culture that pedestrians have a right and a time to monopolize the roads. -Hawaii could learn from other places how to truly co exist with pedestrians —
Italy, as well as some other foreign countries, do similar in “certain” areas and Not on a wholescale level. Oftentimes it’s done to create a marketplace where typically there’s no other way or in an area where Museums, Churches, Schools and Universities are present. It’s Not the afternoon shutdown that it seems you are eluding to. Italia, Bella!
Public Safety is rarely a concern for Police until there’s an “Accident” and they need to be on the scene. There’s plenty of “Excuses” from the drivers afterwards, does Anyone remember that You must have control of your vehicle at all times? Until Police begin Observing the Crosswalks and Ticketing Violators not much will change, it’s easier to observe them in Costco Lots! Time for the People to take Responsibility and for the Police to do the same.
1. Stop designing streets and roads that encourage speeding. The narrower the traffic lanes on the roads, the greater the tendency for the driver to slow down. Build in more speed bumps.
2. Hold vehicle operators legally accountable for maiming or killing pedestrians. Stop allowing them to make excuses like “I never saw him!” or “I accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake!”
3. More Speed cameras. Make breaking the law expensive to drivers.
4. Stop designing modern cars with evermore elaborate entertainment consoles on the dashboard that only serve to distract drivers from what should be there only job: keeping eyes on the road and reflexes ready to respond. Driving a box of steel requires skill and attention.
Hi Eldo, all of those “suggestions” you have made are interesting and might save some pedestrians lives or injuries. Drivers should be held Accountable! Tightening lane size will accomplish the Possibility of slower speeds at the cost of many Additional Accidents. More Speed Cameras, where it’s legal in a State, certainly would make a difference. Those who Choose to Speed will do so regardless of impediments. Speed Bumps are another way to support your local Mechanics due to the Damages Caused by Them! All in all I see “Road Rage” Increasing with 2 of Your Suggestions, why Not have Increased and Active Police Presence Enforcing the Laws? That typically changes the Driving Abilities of Most if not all.
Thanks Ernie for your comments. I’m wondering what evidence you have that narrowing lanes leads to increased accidents. It actually has the opposite effect because it calms traffic. It plays to the natural tendency of drivers to slow down when the lanes are narrow. Research supports this. So there’s no downside to having narrower lanes. As far as speed bumps are concerned, eventually people learn to slow down. Yes, mechanics will be making a little bit more money…support the local economy! Finally, I agree that certain drivers just will not be dissuaded. But that’s not a reason to not try to implement measures that may affect a majority of drivers.
Our Dad’s advise: using a crosswalk is the best precaution; however, please continue to be observant while crossing.
As kids, we would tell our Dad, “I’m on the crosswalk and I have the right of way, so they gotta watch and stop for me, not the other way around.” My Dad replied, “Woud you rather be dead being right or be cautious and alive?”
Just a reminder everyone, safety should never take a vacation. Aloha.
Regarding the accident in Kapaa, that time of dusk, night and along that area can be very dangerous. I was with a friend who because of the glare of lights almost hit someone if I had not said something in a crosswalk. It was very close and I can see how this might have occurred in this incident. As we all know who live or have visited Kauai our roads are not lit at all. We have a lot of people on unfamiliar roads, on vacation and in cars they have never driven before. This all adds up to accidents happening anytime so beware but enjoy your visit.
Hi Kauaidoug.
Thanks for the good points – we updated the post. Yes the glare with the sun low near the horizon towards sunset makes it very hard to see anything.
Aloha.
I have for along time mentoned that crosswalks without traffic control devices, red lights or stop signs are dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers are accumstomed to obeying red light and stop signs. They typically just drive thru the area where there is just a crosswalk. Therefore, a pedestrian needs to cross in a crosswalk as if he is crossing a street without a crosswalk and look both ways to make sure no car is coming. If cars that are coming are slowing down and stopping you can cross otherwise wait until the road is clear before crossing.
Hi Ken.
Thanks!
Aloha.