April is Alcohol Awareness Month and Distracted Driving Month.
Hawaii Police Department officers, staff from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Department of Public Safety sheriff’s deputies, Department of Land and Natural Resources personnel plus volunteers from local businesses will wave signs reminding motorists to drive sober between 5-6 p.m. on Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo by Waiakea Center.
So far this year, there have been 384 DUI arrests in Hawaii County compared to 281 during the same time last year, an increase of 36.7%.
In addition, 56 of the 237 major accidents on Hawaii Island roads thus far this year, 23%, involved alcohol impairment.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, it is never OK to drink and drive.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
Motorists who see a driver operating a vehicle erratically are urged to call 911, in an emergency, or the police non-emergency line at 935-3311.
It takes our entire community working together to make our roads safer.