The Voice of Kapolei - A New Strategy to Discourage Drunk Driving

A New Strategy to Discourage Drunk Driving

Written by Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona

Wednesday, January 02 2008

One fatality on our roadways is too many. That is why we are continuing to pursue new ways to keep our roads safe.

Our administration recently provided more than $3 million for Phase 1B of the North-South Road project in Kapolei. The project, divided into three phases, will connect Kapolei Parkway to the H-1 Freeway upon completion in 2009.

The state Department of Transportation has other projects in various stages of development that will create a more efficient roadway network and further ease traffic in West O`ahu. Additionally, we are continuing proven efforts to discourage drunk driving. Of 161 traffic deaths last year across the state, 84 were alcohol-related.

In Kapolei, the threat of arrest and punishment, a primary tactic against drunken drivers, appears to be working. Traffic deaths in the region this year fell to seven, down from 12 a year ago, according to Acting Honolulu Police Chief Paul Putzulu.

The decrease is due in part to such efforts as the "Live & Let Live Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign." This year's campaign started December 8^th at the Kapolei Police Station, where more than 100 state, city, and police officials gathered with students from Kapolei High School as well as community members to help deter drinking and driving during the holiday season.

At the same time, Oahu is on pace to reach an eight-year high for drunken-driving arrests. Through the end of October, more than 3,200 arrests have been logged. Of the arrests, the average blood alcohol content was 0.155, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08.

Law enforcement authorities have stepped up efforts through sobriety checkpoints and special unit patrols on roads and highways. They have been an integral part of efforts to reduce the death toll.

Similarly, the state has moved to toughen drunken-driving laws to prevent alcohol-related deaths, including suspending the licenses of underage drinkers. In addition, the state is considering requiring alcohol-detection devices for vehicles. Known as ignition interlock systems, these mechanisms are being utilized around the country to test DUI offenders for alcohol before they attempt to operate a vehicle. But even with increased enforcement and tougher laws, the real responsibility and solution lies within individuals and the Kapolei community.

The "Live and Let Live" campaign is about being responsible citizens and taking care of each other.

We are often confronted with situations when our friends or family members have had too much to drink and insist that they're "fine" to drive home. In those instances, we need to do whatever is in our power to keep them from getting behind the wheel. That means taking their keys, driving them home, arranging for a cab or alternative transportation, or letting them stay at our home to sober up.

So, this holiday season, let's all do our part and continue to practice and spread the message about responsible and safe behavior on our roadways not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year.

Lt. Governor Aiona is a resident of Kapolei.

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