Pedestrian accidents are a disturbing public safety problem in Hawaii. In a recent year, the state reported 37 pedestrian deaths and had the sixth-worst pedestrian fatality rate in the country. Just a year prior, Hawaii recorded 44 pedestrian deaths.
In response to this crisis, the Hawaii Department of Transportation recently announced a series of construction projects designed to protect pedestrians and get drivers to slow down. These include reinstalling raised crosswalks at intersections along Pali Highway in Nuuanu, with more improvements pending.
This article discusses how the newly raised crosswalks aim to improve pedestrian safety, reduce speeding, and tackle Hawaii’s high pedestrian fatality rates.
What are Raised Crosswalks?
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a raised crosswalk — or a speed table — is a pedestrian crossing that is level with the sidewalk at both ends of the crosswalk. The construction features a gentle slope leading up to and away from the crosswalk, creating a table-like shape.
Raised pedestrian crossings are typically at least 10 feet wide so that a passenger vehicle’s front and rear wheels can be on the crosswalk’s “table” simultaneously. A reduced speed limit near raised crosswalks forces motorists to slow down. According to the FHWA, raised crosswalks can lower pedestrian deaths by 45 percent.
Where are the New Crosswalks in Honolulu?
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) enhances pedestrian safety by installing raised crosswalks, which help slow traffic and make pedestrians more visible. By the end of 2023, HDOT plans to have 220 raised crosswalks in place to prevent accidents rather than react to them. These crosswalks, essentially flat-topped speed tables marked for pedestrian use, reduce vehicle speed and pedestrian crashes by nearly half.
In a busy urban area of Honolulu with a high percentage of students and elderly pedestrians, HDOT began by installing six raised crosswalks. This reduced crashes significantly and changed driver behavior along the corridor. Although some initial resistance arose, the community largely embraced the measure, requesting similar installations in other areas.
Raised crosswalks are cost-effective, quick to install, and have minimal impact on emergency response times. HDOT’s proactive approach has improved safety and demonstrated how infrastructure can address speeding and save lives.
Reducing Pedestrian Accidents
HDOT officials say that in cases where a car hits a pedestrian at 40 miles per hour, the victim nearly always dies. Approximately half of all pedestrians survive an impact at 30 miles per hour, while virtually all pedestrians survive crashes at 20 miles per hour or lower. Many pedestrians could avoid severe injury or death if drivers consistently slow down at raised crosswalks.
In a YouTube video, The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlights the importance of raised crosswalks in improving pedestrian safety, particularly at mid-block locations where most pedestrian fatalities occur. Raised crosswalks are elevated to the height of the sidewalk, making pedestrians more visible to drivers and reducing vehicle speeds. These features make crossings safer and more comfortable for pedestrians while encouraging drivers to yield.
The design includes a wide table, typically at least ten feet, ensuring vehicles maintain stability while crossing. Raised crosswalks are most effective on roads with two to three lanes, lower traffic volumes (under 9,000 vehicles daily), and 30 MPH or less speed limits.
How Do Raised Crosswalks Impact Drivers?
The newly raised crosswalks in Hawaii are designed to improve pedestrian safety, but they also affect drivers noticeably. These elevated crossings are a physical reminder to reduce speed and prioritize pedestrian crossings. However, their installation may alter traffic flow and driver behavior.
Slower Speeds and Commute Times
Drivers approaching raised crosswalks must slow down to navigate the elevated surface safely, similar to how they approach speed humps or speed tables. This adjustment is significant on busy roadways like the Pali Highway, where approximately 65,000 vehicles travel daily. While slowing down enhances safety, it can slightly increase commute times, especially during peak hours. On roads like Kalihi Street, Pensacola Street, and Maipalaoa Road, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has emphasized that maintaining the posted speed limit is crucial near these new features.
Changes in Traffic Patterns
Some drivers may choose alternative routes to avoid the raised crosswalks, especially on heavily used streets like Farrington Highway or near McKinley High School. These shifts can lead to unexpected traffic patterns in surrounding areas, as the raised crossings encourage slower speeds at certain intersections. However, the Hawaii Department of Transportation is focused on balancing driver convenience with pedestrian safety.
Benefits Outweigh the Drawbacks
Despite minor inconveniences like longer travel times or shifting traffic, the raised pedestrian crossings significantly reduce the risk of speeding and improve safety at intersections. They help prevent accidents by making pedestrians visible and encouraging drivers to slow down. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks if these measures save even one pedestrian’s life.
In summary, the three raised crosswalks added to Hawaii’s transportation services are a practical step toward safer streets. While they may temporarily impact drivers and traffic flow, they prioritize the well-being of pedestrians and align with HDOT’s mission to improve road safety.
Getting Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Hawaii
If you need reliable legal assistance after a pedestrian accident in Hawaii, turn to Recovery Law Center. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with care and experience. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
