HONOLULU (KHON2) -- With many on summer vacation, the Honolulu Police Department is urging the public to stay vigilant as we head out to our roadways.
Major Stason Tanaka with the traffic division of the HPD joined Wakeup 2Day's Chris Latronic with everything we need to know.
Now that schools are out for summer break, we can definitely expect more keiki to be playing outside, riding their bikes and walking around the neighborhood with friends.
The HPD wants everyone to get to and from their destinations safely; so, here are some traffic safety tips that we can share with our loved ones:
Buckle up: failure to use a seat belt is a factor in many fatal vehicle collisions. Also, make sure children are properly secured in car seats or booster seats.
Bicyclists: wear protective gear. Obey traffic signs and signals. Just like other vehicles, bicycles must follow the rules of the road. Ride with the flow of traffic and wear bright-colored/reflective clothing
Pedestrians: use crosswalks and adhere to the "Don't walk" signals. Pay attention to your surroundings while crossing the street, as motorists may not always see you
Slow down: speeding is a significant factor in traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit. Pay close attention to pedestrians. Try to anticipate traffic hazards and how you will address them
Drive distraction-free: put away your cell phone and focus on driving safely
Have a designated driver: plan ahead and find a safe ride home. Consuming alcohol will affect your mental judgment and motor skills.
As high school graduations wrap up, we can expect many graduation parties this summer. The Honolulu police department encourages parents and teens to celebrate responsibly and safely.
Safety tips for parents:
- Talk to your children about the dangerous effects of drinking. Set clear rules and explain the consequences.
- Host an alcohol-free party.
- If your child plans to attend a party without you, make sure there is adequate adult supervision.
- Make sure your child has a safe ride home.
Safety tips for graduates and teens:
- Never drink and drive! Do not get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
- It's okay to say no. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.
- Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't.
- Watch out for your friends and have them do the same for you.
- If you need help, don't be afraid to call your parents or someone you can trust
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So, take the time this summer to teach your keiki about road safety. Regardless of their age, they will take this wisdom with them as they embark on the roads when they are older.