Hawaii is one of the safest states for motorists in the United States. In 2021, Hawaii was ranked fifth among states with the least car crash fatalities in the nation. Likewise, in 2019, the state was ranked first for using seat belts (reaching 97%) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
One of the biggest causes of accidents in the state is poor road conditions. Hawaii has 664 miles of highways that are in poor condition. Some roads on the steep mountainsides are narrowly paved and do not have guardrails to protect motorists.
Some roads and highways in Hawaii have some of the highest rates of car accidents and fatalities. These roads include:
In the event of an accident in the state, drivers should be well prepared to take the necessary steps to safeguard lives and prevent further property damage. These steps include:
Following a collision, the best course of action for drivers is to get off the road and find a safe place near the scene to stop. Car crashes can result in multiple accidents, endangering more lives. Hawaii is especially prone to rain and tropical storms, which reduce visibility and increase the chance of crashes.
The state prohibits drivers involved in an accident from leaving until instructed otherwise.
Drivers should activate their vehicle's hazard lights after exiting the road. Furthermore, drivers should deploy flares and safety cones to divert traffic and warn other vehicles of an impending collision.
Drivers should call an ambulance if someone is wounded. The law requires drivers involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage worth $3,000 or more to be reported immediately to the police.
Whether the car crash caused or did not cause any harm or property damage, drivers must give out their information and take the names and addresses of the other drivers, car occupants, and witnesses. Additionally, if the vehicle operators do not own the car, they must give out the names and addresses of the owners.
Drivers should take photos of the scene. These photographs can be used as evidence to determine the cause of the collision, to show any pre-existing damage to the vehicle, and to file legal and insurance claims.
Drivers should consult with an attorney before filing an insurance claim for property damage compensation following a crash.
Individuals should always keep a record of any vehicle crashes. The most important documents are the crash report, insurance information, and police statement.
To ensure that automobiles are operated safely on the road, every motorist in Hawaii should be conversant with the state's driving regulations.
Impaired DrivingThe state's law requires drivers to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or below, or else they will be charged with a DUI offense.
It is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle under the influence of controlled substances and intoxicants in the state.
Seatbelt LawAll front and back-seat vehicle occupants must wear safety belts when driving.
Drivers are responsible for buckling children in a car.
Drivers must use a child safety or booster seat for children under ten.
MotorcyclistsThe law requires all motorcycle and scooter operators to wear helmets with a chin strap while riding.
The state prohibits children under seven from riding on motorcycles or scooters.
No passengers are allowed on mopeds.
All motorcycle operators should have a valid license while riding on the road.
Hawaii does not allow lane splitting. Riders are prohibited from driving between two lanes.
Minor DriversThe legal driving age in Hawaii is 15 years and six months old.
A minor driver has to drive under the supervision of an adult who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driving license.
The minor driver must be at least 16 years old but under 18 for a provisional driving license. The driver must hold an instruction permit for at least 180 days without traffic violations. Individuals must pass a visual and writing test to receive an instructional permit.
Drivers with a provisional license are prohibited from carrying more than one person below 18 if they are not accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
Minor drivers shall not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian in the front passenger seat. Additionally, teenage drivers are prohibited from carrying any passengers within these hours without the supervision of an adult.
Cargo Bed LawsThe state prohibits individuals from standing or occupying a truck’s cargo bed or load-carrying if the vehicle has no seating cab or secure side racks attached. Additionally, no individual should stand when the car is in motion.
No passenger aged 12 years or younger shall be carried in a cargo bed unless in the case of an emergency or during parades.
Headlight LawsEvery vehicle on Hawaii's roadways must turn on its headlights 30 minutes after sunset and turn them off 30 minutes after sunrise.
Drivers must also activate their lights when insufficient light or other weather conditions may impair driving vision.
Distracted Driving LawsThe law forbids drivers from texting, phoning, or using hand-held devices while driving, even at a stop light or stop sign.
Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use hands-free devices while driving.
However, drivers can use mobile devices when calling 911 in an emergency.
Lane CampingOn multilane highways, the state restricts the use of the left lane to passing and overtaking other cars. Left-lane traffic should always go quicker than right-lane traffic.
Hawaii also has unique driving regulations. Here are some of the laws: