Driving under the influence (DUI) still continues to be a serious issue on Oahu. Honolulu Police have implemented numerous strategies to combat drunk driving, including conducting DUI checkpoints across the island and maximum enforcement operations during major holidays and long weekends when alcohol consumption typically increases. These efforts aim to deter, detect and apprehend impaired drivers.
DUI Statistics in Hawaii 2022
According to a recent report by HPD police in the KHON2 News, these measures have not curbed the high number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities. So far in 2022, there have been 55 deadly DUI-related crashes on Oahu, claiming 55 lives. This represents a significant increase from 2021 when 47 fatal collisions occurred due to impaired driving.
- The total number of DUI arrests for the year up to that point was 893, marking an 8.3% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.
- The number of major accidents for the year was 753, which was a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
- There were 31 fatal crashes leading to 33 fatalities in total. This represented a 24% increase in fatal crashes and a 32% increase in fatalities compared to the same period the previous year.
|
Metric |
Number |
In comparison with Last Year |
|
DUI Arrests (Year to Date) |
893 |
-8.3% |
|
Major Accidents (Year to Date) |
753 |
+2.7% |
|
Fatal Crashes (Year to Date) |
31 |
+24% |
|
Fatalities (Year to Date) |
33 |
+32% |
Despite police ramping up checkpoints and enforcement, the data indicates more needs to be done to prevent intoxicated or drugged individuals from getting behind the wheel. Some advocate for more public education and awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of drunk driving. Others believe penalties and liabilities for DUI offenders should be strengthened. But clearly, the status quo is not working, as too many lives are still being lost in preventable drunk driving incidents each year on Oahu’s roads.