LIHU‘E — In light of the upcoming graduation season, officials with the Kaua‘i Police Department are urging motorists to drive safely. Throughout the coming weeks officers will be increasing enforcement efforts across the island, checking for those driving under the
LIHU‘E — In light of the upcoming graduation season, officials with the Kaua‘i Police Department are urging motorists to drive safely.
Throughout the coming weeks officers will be increasing enforcement efforts across the island, checking for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as other traffic violations, a county press release states.
“The importance of safe driving is relevant throughout the year, but we hope the added awareness at this time of the year will help to keep our keiki safe and most importantly, save lives,” said Capt. Michael Contrades of the Patrol Services Bureau.
According to KPD, there were eight traffic fatalities in 2009, 10 in 2010 and three fatalities so far this year.
During April, 18 people were arrested for drinking and driving. Of the 18, two individuals tested over three times the .08 legal limit. One man from Kapa‘a had a breath test result of over four times the limit, while a Koloa man had a breath alcohol level of .433, well over five times the legal limit, the press release states.
“These statistics are not only alarming, but incredibly dangerous,” Contrades said. “Keeping our roads safe is the responsibility of the entire community.”
He warns motorists to stay off their cell phones while driving, to always use seatbelts, and to drive sober.
According to the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, section 291E-61, a person commits the offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants if he operates or assumes actual physical control of a vehicle with either .08 or more grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath, or with .08 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters or cubic centimeters of blood. The law also applies to those that may be under the influence of any drug that impairs one’s ability to operate a vehicle in a careful and prudent manner. This includes lawfully prescribed drugs.
“The Kaua‘i Police Department is proud of all of our Kaua‘i graduates. We encourage our young people to continue to make the right choices in life as the choices you make now will continue to have a profound effect on your future,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “Your choice to not drink and to drive responsibly could save your life or the life of someone you love.”
