Roadway fatalities in 2025 continue to climb at an alarming rate. Just this week, O‘ahu’s year-to-date traffic fatalities surpassed the total 2024 traffic fatalities. Statewide we are at 86 fatalities, compared to 62 at this time last year. A large percentage of these fatalities are vulnerable road users; people walking, biking, or otherwise outside of vehicles.
Following fatalities involving people riding two-wheel devices, there is often a surge in news coverage regarding roadway safety tips and best practices. HBL has spoken with a number of news channels after the recent fatal crash in ‘Ewa. These include:
08/24/2025 – Cyclists hold e-bike workshop following teen’s death – Hawai‘i News Now
08/22/2025 – Memorial grows for teen victim in ‘Ewa Beach crash – Hawai’i News Now
08/21/2025 – 8 Simple rules for keeping your keiki alive on Hawai‘i Roads – KHON2
08/21/2025 – Teen death occurred amid sharp rise in traffic fatalities on O‘ahu – Honolulu Star Advertiser
Click here to see all of the HBL news coverage
As a reminder, HBL hosts workshops year-round, provides youth education to over 100 schools reaching 7000 4th graders, and advocates at the local and state level for improved laws, roadway designs, and other best practices. We encourage our members and the broader public to ride safely, follow traffic laws, be predictable, and be aware of their surroundings.
It is important to remember that these roadway fatalities are more than just numbers, they are parents, children, family members, community members, etc. We strongly believe the only acceptable number of roadway fatalities is ZERO. And are happy to support the Dept. of Health’s Vision Zero Hawai’i Campaign. As well as HPD’s recently launched Safer Roads campaign.
Roadway safety is a shared responsibility, however it is not shared equally. We must all look out for ourselves and each other. However, people driving vehicles have an added responsibility given that their vehicle can quickly become a deadly weapon. The vehicles on our roadways have become larger, heavier, and ultimately less safe for other road users. This is often compounded by the increased rates of distracted driving (staring at phones and infotainment systems), reckless driving, and impaired driving. These dangers and distractions are compounded by a roadway system that has long prioritized vehicles at the expense of vulnerable road users. As we see more people walking, biking, and using new electric devices, we are seeing more crashes and unfortunately more fatalities.
There is no simple solution. However, we must all be a part of the solution. Sharing the road with aloha is key. Regardless of your mode of transportation. Slow down. Be aware of your surroundings. Be predictable and visible. Let’s work together to make sure we all get where we want to go safely.
We encourage people to get involved with safer streets efforts in their local communities. Attend neighborhood board meetings, look at City Complete Streets projects in your area, contact your local elected officials and express concern over these fatalities, and get involved with HBL’s Advocacy Committee.
Let’s continue to work together to prioritize safety across our islands. Mahalo, Travis Counsell
HBL issued the following statement after a recent fatality involving a student riding a e-moto.
We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic crash that claimed the life of a 14-year-old riding an e-moto in ‘Ewa this morning. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and community grieving this unimaginable loss.
As our traffic fatality numbers soar this year, we’re reminded that every life lost on our roadways is preventable. This tragedy is a painful reminder that we all share responsibility for keeping one another safe. For those driving cars and trucks, this means staying alert, slowing down, and always watching for vulnerable road users – whether they are walking, biking, or rolling.