From the side of Kuhio Highway in Lihu‘e on Wednesday, it appeared that a number of passing motorists still haven’t heard the news about the island’s cell phone ban. But the Kaua‘i Police Department continues to hack away at the
From the side of Kuhio Highway in Lihu‘e on Wednesday, it appeared that a number of passing motorists still haven’t heard the news about the island’s cell phone ban.
But the Kaua‘i Police Department continues to hack away at the ongoing issue of distracted driving by handing out costly citations and broadcasting public service announcements on local radio stations.
Those who don’t pay heed can expect to pay fines of $97, and up to $147 if cited in a school zone or construction area.
“Distracted driving is reported to be the main cause of all traffic collisions,” said Lt. Mark Scribner of KPD’s Traffic Safety Unit via County Spokeswoman Sarah Blane. “KPD’s Patrol Services Bureau is doing its part to help keep our roads safe by enforcing the law.”
Grant
The department recently received a $28,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation to do additional community outreach. It also funds officer overtime for enforcement.
The money is intended to help the public better understand the law, Blane said.
Additional public service announcements are expected to be aired later this month.
The law
As of May 23, 2010, motorists have been prohibited from using cell phones and many other electronic devices — such as mp3 players — while operating a vehicle. Ordinance 892, also known as the Mobile Electronic Device ban, doesn’t leave much wiggle room. Drivers can’t simply pull over to the side of a road to answer or make a call. Their engines must be off, too.
Hands-free devices are permitted, as are two-way radios when used for business purposes. Cell phones may be used for emergency 911 calls.
Emergency responders are exempt, while performing their official duties.
Ticketing
Since the department began enforcing the law in May, its officers handed out 396 citations in 2010 and 42 for January. Preliminary numbers for February were unavailable.
Blane said the department’s top brass has no interpretation of the monthly numbers, which fluctuated throughout 2010. However, Lt. Scribner said he believes the public is making an effort to comply.
“The community seems to be generally supportive of the ban as they understand it enhances the safety of everyone on our roadways,” Scribner said.
“A better understanding of the law will result in greater compliance.”
Texting
Blane said she learned from the department that there was one confirmed fatality on Kaua‘i last year related to texting.
Texting is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes a drivers’ eyes off the road, hand off the wheel and mind off the task at hand, she explained in an e-mail.
As far as other crashes, she said it is difficult to determine if cell phone usage is the cause unless there are witnesses. Most cases of distracted driving are self reported.
Accident figures
According to a breakdown of all traffic crashes in the island, there were 1,321 crashes in 2010 — the year the ban was implemented. That’s 223 fewer than the year prior, and 355 fewer than 2008. Whether the drop is a result of the ban is unknown.
“Being that there is a law against cell phone use while driving, rarely will drivers admit that to be the cause,” Blane said in an e-mail.
Visit www.kauai.gov for a copy of the ordinance and more information.
• Jessica Musicar, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by e-mailing jmusicar@kauaipubco.com.
