Pedestrian Deaths Double This Year on Oahu Despite Safety Measures

The number of pedestrians killed on Oahu has doubled this year despite enforcement of laws aimed curbing risky walking behaviors.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports 26 pedestrians have been killed so far this year, increasing from the 13 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2017.

According to the state Department of Health, 342 pedestrians are treated at Oahu hospitals on average each year.

Honolulu enacted an ordinance last year prohibiting pedestrians from looking at cellphones while crossing the street.

Honolulu police have cited 147 people since enforcement began in October 2017.

Police have issued 9,671 citations this year for pedestrian-related violations, which include disobeying signals and walking on roads.

Public health and safety officials say there is not a clear reason for the spike in deaths despite the increased focus on distracted pedestrians.