LIHU‘E — With the start of the holiday season, the Kaua‘i Police Department is offering tips to help keep the public safe. “Basically, if everyone is courteous and uses common sense, I think we’ll all have a happier holiday all
LIHU‘E — With the start of the holiday season, the Kaua‘i Police Department is offering tips to help keep the public safe.
“Basically, if everyone is courteous and uses common sense, I think we’ll all have a happier holiday all around,” said Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan, head of the Patrol Services Bureau, in a county news release.
He pointed out that managing one’s time wisely is particularly important during the holidays with the increased traffic delays especially around shopping centers and grocery stores. Road construction projects also add to the delay.
“I suggest that drivers add at least 20 minutes to their travel time,” Quibilan said. “Although it could cut into your holiday ‘fun’ time, you won’t feel so stressed about getting to your destination on time and you’ll be a safer and more alert driver.”
When people are running late, they sometimes make irrational decisions such as cutting off other drivers, making fast lane changes, or tailgating, which can cause traffic crashes, he said in the release. And of course, don’t drink and drive.
“Alcohol tends to distort one’s perception, bringing on feelings of euphoria and impaired coordination,” Quibilan said. “If you decide to drink, please don’t drive. Designate a driver or spend a few dollars and take a taxi. It’s not worth taking a risk.”
For holiday shoppers, Quibilan offers the following tips:
— Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you’re watching around you, rather than watching your cell phone.
— Remember to keep your valuables and packages in your vehicle out of sight. Keep items in the car trunk or out of view in the vehicle.
— Avoid arguments with other shoppers or drivers. With everyone feeling a little stressed, some people may overreact to a simple traffic movement or to a bad shopping experience.
With regard to parking, Quibilan is reminding everyone that only people that have an accessible parking placard hanging on their rear-view mirror or an accessible parking license plate are allowed to park in spaces marked as such.
“Let’s be considerate and save the accessible parking stalls for those they were designed for,” said Quibilan, adding that anyone cited for parking in a reserved accessible parking space without an accessible parking placard or an accessible parking license plate will have to pay a fine of $260.
Throughout the holidays, KPD will be closely monitoring vehicular traffic.
“Safety lies at the core of all laws,” Quibilan said. “We urge the public to drive with caution and be considerate of others.”
He noted that sobriety checkpoints will be set up at various locations around the island, and police will be checking for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as other traffic violations.
As of Oct. 31, there have been six fatalities on Kaua‘i’s roadways so far this year.
In terms of traffic enforcement, KPD issued the following citations (through the end of October):
— Speeding: 2,770
— All other moving violations: 5,518
— OVUII (Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant): 176
— Using a cell phone while driving: 1,027
— Truck equipment: 255
— No seat belt: 1,422
— No child restraint: 138
To learn more about Hawai‘i’s traffic laws, go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/
