05-24-16 Motorists reminded not to turn from shoulder of road

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Puna District
Captain Samuel Jelsma
Phone:  965-2716

 

Media Release

Hawaiʻi Island police remind motorists that right turns are to be made from the roadway and not from the right shoulder.

Puna District Captain Samuel Jelsma said some motorists wrongly believe it is safer to travel onto the right shoulder before turning, to allow traffic to pass on the left. That practice, Jelsma said, presents several hazards:

  • Reduced visibility of what is around the corner.
  • Reduced visibility for other vehicles attempting to enter the highway from an intersection.
  • The potential for a vehicle properly traveling in the traffic lane to execute a right turn and collide with the vehicle traveling on the shoulder.
  • Increased risk of collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists.

Jelsma noted that Hawaiʻi Revised Statues 291C-81, which applies to turning, says, “Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” Jelsma clarified that the “edge of the roadway” means the white solid line.


This entry was posted in Media Releases. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.
  • Keep your community safe through Crime Stoppers

    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

    The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.