HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT RANDY K. APELE
PHONE: 961-2305
APRIL 26, 2001
MEDIA RELEASE
Noting a recent increase in traffic fatalities islandwide, Big Island police are urging motorists to drive safely and obey traffic laws, especially those prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding and mandating the wearing of seatbelts.
The Big Island traffic fatality toll has reached 10 deaths this year, all of which have occurred in March and April. The same number of traffic fatalities was recorded at this time last year.
Speed and failure to wear seat belts were major contributing factors in the fatal crashes. An additional factor in fatal crashes involving motorcycles is the failure to wear safety helmets.
Sergeant Samuel Jelsma of the Traffic Enforcement Unit urges all motorists to drive carefully and according to road and traffic conditions, to obey the speed limits, to wear their seat belts and either to have a designated driver or refrain from drinking and driving.
Although motorcycle helmets are not mandatory, Jelsma recommends that they be used.
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