HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT RANDY APELE
PHONE: 961-2305
NOVEMBER 24, 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

During the week of November 17-23, 2003, Big Island police arrested 25 motorists for drunk driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic collisions, and four were under the age of 21.

So far this year, there have been 916 DUI arrests, compared to 766 during the same period last year, an increase of 17 percent.

There have been 2,101 major accidents so far this year, compared to 2,002 during the same period last year, an increase of 5 percent.

There have been 31 fatalities so far this year, compared to 26 for the same period last year, an increase of 19 percent. There have been four fatalities attributed to drunk driving so far this year, compared to the 10 at this time last year, a decrease of 60 percent. There have been two drug-related fatalities so far this year, compared to none at the same time last year.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will be continued on an islandwide basis.

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