Like everyone, I have been busy recently, as things have been very hectic lately with the budget, internal issues, and investigations, but things have slowed down just a little to allow me to start doing the Chief’s Corner again. Thank
Like everyone, I have been busy recently, as things have been very hectic lately with the budget, internal issues, and investigations, but things have slowed down just a little to allow me to start doing the Chief’s Corner again. Thank you for your patience.
Q: I saw you waving on the side of the road about a month or so ago. It seems like cars have slowed down since you began doing that. How is your program going in the Wailua stretch?
Brian, Wailua
A: Actually, it wasn’t because I was waving, but an overall presence by our officers. Our goal this year is to reduce the number of fatalities and serious traffic collisions throughout the island. One of the main areas we are targeting is the Wailua corridor. I know you have seen electronic speed signs depicting how fast drivers are operating their vehicles. This is to make drivers and their occupants aware of the posted speed limit. And along with the speed signs we are doing enforcement projects.
I would also like to add that the passenger too has a responsibility in keeping everyone in the vehicle safe. If you as a passenger notice that the driver is speeding, or driving inattentively, tell the driver to slow down and pay attention to the road.
Also, unless it’s an emergency, tell the driver to stop yakking on the cell phone because studies have shown that while you are conversing, your reaction times slows down to that of someone who is driving under the influence.
For your information, during a four-year period, from 2000-2003 there was an average of five fatalities per year. However, from 2004-2008, that number increased to just under 11 fatalities per year. National statistic revealed as enforcement and education increases, serious collision tend to decrease. As such, we have committed our efforts toward that end
I know that we will still have irresponsible drivers who just don’t care who they put at risk, and those who speed and drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. But, you can be assured that sooner or later (hopefully sooner) we’ll find them first before they hurt themselves or an innocent person.
I am convinced that there are at least a few people alive today that would not be here otherwise if it weren’t for the hard work of our officers. Thus far in 2009, we have recorded just one fatality. And although that is one fatal too many, we are still the lowest in the entire state.
I am cautiously optimistic that with the help of the public and hard work by our officers working collectively we can continue to keep our roads safe.
• Darryl Perry is the chief of police at the Kaua‘i Police Department. Send your comments or questions to dperry@kauai.gov
