Schatz Says New Report Of High Pedestrian Deaths In Hawai‘i Highlights Need For Safer Streets

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called for improvements in the safety of roads in Hawai‘i and across the country following a new report out today, Dangerous by Design 2014, by the National Complete Streets Coalition that found more than 200 people were killed while walking in Hawai‘i from 2003 to 2012, accounting for more than 20 percent of traffic deaths in the state.  The report also found that Hawai‘i had the highest pedestrian death rate for seniors in the country.  Nationally, pedestrians accounted for 14 percent of all traffic deaths in 2012, up six percent from 2011 and representing a five-year high. 

“Too many people are killed for simply walking along our streets.  This report underscores why we need to actively work to make our streets safer for everyone,” Senator Schatz said.  “That is why I have introduced legislation to make sure our roads are designed and built for not just cars, but for seniors, children, and families who choose to walk or bike.  Our bill will encourage alternative forms of transportation and make our communities safer for everyone.”

In February, Schatz introduced the Safe Streets Act of 2014, legislation that will improve the safety of our nation’s roads and expand access for all users.  Pedestrian safety is often perceived as a strictly local issue but, for decades, federal dollars have been invested in thousands of miles of state and local roads in the heart of communities.  In fact, 68 percent of all pedestrian fatalities nationwide over the past decade occurred on federal-aid roads — roads that follow federal guidelines and are eligible to receive federal funds.  The Safe Streets Act would ensure that federally funded roads are planned, designed, and built, following Complete Street policies, safely accommodating travelers of all ages and abilities, including drivers, transit passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  Complete Street policies make sure that sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe transit access are taken into consideration as roadway plans are developed.

The federal government sets the tone for a national approach to safety, and Congress can address this critical issue by passing the Safe Streets Act as it renews the transportation law.