How to be Safe on the Highways Around Honolulu

Two-thirds of Hawaii’s 1.4 million population live on the 40-mile stretch of Oahu. This means that the highways and roads surrounding Honolulu often become congested, especially during rush hour.

Congested highways and careless driving can lead to accidents. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident along one of Hawaii’s busy highways because of the actions or inactions of another driver, speak with a car accident lawyer in Honolulu as soon as you can. You may be able entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negligent Highway Driving in Honolulu

We have all witnessed drivers weaving in and out of traffic and ignoring the speed limit. That behavior clearly puts others at risk. However, a few more common actions that lead to accidents along highways include:

Driving while drowsy. If a driver pushes themselves past their limits and drives while fatigued, they risk falling asleep at the wheel and creating havoc on those on the road around them. Even if the driver doesn’t fall asleep, drowsy driving greatly reduces reaction time and the ability to focus on traffic patterns and signs.
Distracted driving. If a driver is focused on their cell phone, a passenger, their GPS, or eating and drinking, then they aren’t focused on the road. These distractions can have catastrophic consequences.
Following too closely. If a driver does not provide enough space between them and the car in front of them, they won’t be able to stop in time if something happens in front of them. This is common in drivers that are in a rush to get somewhere and begin aggressively tailgating those in front of them to urge them to get out of the way or go faster. This can easily lead to a highway pile-up.
Inconsistent speed. If a driver is constantly speeding up and slowing down, it can impede the flow of traffic and lead to a crash.

If a driver is practicing these kinds of risky behaviors, other drivers injured in a crash may be able to hold that driver accountable for their actions.

Tips for Driving in Honolulu

You might think that driving in Hawaii is no different than driving in the mainland United States, but the citizens of Hawaii follow a few unspoken rules that keep traffic running smoothly.

Respect the rules of the road. If you’ve never driven in Hawaii, you may not be expecting the narrow roads, intense rush hour, and one-way streets. Speed limits might be lower than you are expecting and pedestrians are common, especially around tourist attractions. Plan your route beforehand and learn how to pronounce road names in case you find yourself needing to ask for directions.
Slow Down. Due to the natural flow of the land, highways surrounding Honolulu have lower speed limits than you might be used to. These speed limits are in place with good reason and are there for your safety. Give yourself more time to travel if you need it and follow the speed limit. You should also slow down on rainy days and after nightfall, and especially around areas commonly occupied by pedestrians.
Watch for pedestrians. Oahu is a popular tourist destination and also home to ⅔ of Hawaii’s native population. Because of this, we experience a high number of pedestrians. Pedestrian deaths are unfortunately not uncommon in Hawaii, and some attribute this to the island’s lack of crosswalks and the sheer volume of tourists that visit the island. If you notice cars in front of you suddenly slowing down, be aware they may be doing this because a pedestrian is attempting to cross the street. Be especially alert in residential areas and near tourist attractions, as these places will naturally see more people traveling on foot to reach their destination.
Pull over if you want to sightsee. We know how beautiful Hawaii is. The island is filled with gorgeous views almost anywhere you go. But if something catches your eye, pull to the side of the road to take a look. Driving while distracted can be dangerous, and slowing down to get a better look out the window can further clog already congested highways. When driving through the scenic landscapes of Hawaii, please pull over and stop your vehicle to get a better look and take a picture!
Avoid horn honking. Honolulu is different from most places in that we don’t use our horns to complain about someone driving around us. If you see someone trying to merge, offer a smile and a wave and let them in! This style of patient and friendly driving is better for everyone, especially considering how busy our highways can become! Honking should only be used to greet a loved one or offer thanks to a fellow driver. Angry horn honking will only put everyone around you on edge, and that’s the last thing we need.
Be careful on wet roads. Hawaii isn’t exactly known for its predictable weather. Rainfall can occur with almost no warning, and some roads shouldn’t be traveled in heavy rain due to the risk of flooding. You can check out Honolulu’s weather forecast for live updates so you can plan your drive and watch out for road closures. Wet roads are slippery, especially in the first few minutes, and driving through flooding is incredibly dangerous. Don’t risk an accident and drive with extra caution if you know rain is on the way.
Be aware of potholes. Because of Hawaii’s unpredictable flooding and frequent traffic, potholes can develop. If you aren’t familiar with the road, slow down and look out for any potholes, as these can damage your car and potentially lead to accidents. You should also watch for any debris following a storm or wildlife that may venture into the road.
Plan your route. Know that traveling in Hawaii tends to take longer than in other places in the world. Our roads are smaller, the speed limit slower, and our weather can change at the drop of a hat. Know where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Find alternate routes in case something comes up. Additionally, avoid driving during rush hour, especially around Honolulu. Traffic can be bumper to bumper, just crawling at very low speeds between the hours of 6 am and 9am, and then again between 3pm and 6pm. If at all possible, try to avoid the highways altogether during these times.
Avoid passing. Many of Hawaii’s roads only have two lanes: one going in each direction. This can make passing especially dangerous. If you must pass, only do it one car at a time and only when you have full visibility of what might be coming your way. However, it’s best to just slow down and enjoy the drive. We all have places to be but don’t forget to enjoy the journey to get there.
Learn the lingo. If you are visiting Hawaii, it’s important to know how we give directions. Makai means “toward the ocean” and Mauka means “toward the mountain.” If you stop for directions, you’ll likely hear natives use these terms. We are also prone to give landmarks as opposed to highway names, so try to familiarize yourself with the area before getting in your car. If you need to ask for directions and are unsure of where you’ve been told to go, ask for clarification. We want you to get where you’re heading!

If an accident does happen and there are no serious injuries, try to move your vehicle to the side of the road to allow other traffic to keep moving. You should call the police so they can create a report or direct traffic if needed. Seek a medical evaluation even if you don’t believe you were injured. Adrenaline often masks injuries, you may be unaware of an underlying condition. If you are able to, it is important to document the accident by taking pictures or video and taking down the names of any witnesses. Try to get a copy of the police report. This will all be useful when you file an insurance claim and later if you seek a civil claim.

Once you have taken care of any medical needs, it is encouraged to speak with a car accident attorney so you can better understand your legal rights and options in the state of Hawaii.

Driving around Honolulu can be a little intimidating. There are a lot of cars and a lot of pedestrians to watch out for. Paired with narrow roads and unpredictable weather, drivers should take extra care when driving around Honolulu and the roads and highways surrounding it. But remember that the natives of Hawaii are kind and friendly people, and we take care to drive with the same consideration.

Hopefully, these tips can help you drive around Honolulu with an Aloha spirit and keep you and other drivers and pedestrians safe as you reach your destination. Whether you are traveling for work, pleasure, or tourism, remember to stay alert and considerate of those around you. We want you to get where you are going, and we want you to do it without any hiccups along the way!