The State Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported that 59 people were killed in traffic related crashes statewide from January through July 27, 2024; a 17% increase from 49 fatalities during the same time last year.

Of the 59 fatalities in 2024, 12 reports listed excessive speeding as the primary factor, eight cited suspected impairment and additional reckless driving behaviors such as not wearing a helmet, and seven listed multiple contributing factors such as speed, reckless driving, and inattention. Other contributing factors in 2024 fatal crashes to date include not wearing a seatbelt, unsafe lane changes, unexpected pedestrian crossings, and criminal activity.

Approximately 40% of those killed on our roads were vulnerable road users (i.e., pedestrians and bicyclists). There have been seven more pedestrian deaths this year compared to the same time this year.

To raise awareness and remind everyone on the road to look out for one another, HDOT will begin running the number of days since the last death due to a traffic crash on its electronic message boards.

As of July 29, it has been three days since the last death on the road.