LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement this holiday season following a fatal accident last week. It is the seventh traffic-related fatality reported on Kaua‘i this year. Shane Bender, 52, of Kapa‘a, was riding his moped
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement this holiday season following a fatal accident last week. It is the seventh traffic-related fatality reported on Kaua‘i this year.
Shane Bender, 52, of Kapa‘a, was riding his moped just before midnight Oct. 24 on Haua‘ala Road, near the Haua‘ala/Kawaihau Road junction, when he lost control and crashed, according to a KPD statement released Tuesday afternoon. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Bender was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in critical condition before being transferred to Queen’s Hospital on O‘ahu, where he later died.
No other persons or vehicles were involved in the crash, which remains under police investigation, according to the news release. It is unclear whether alcohol was a factor.
“That has yet to be determined,” county spokeswoman Sarah Blane said. “The (toxicology) results should be back in a couple of weeks.”
In light of the incident, and with the holidays approaching, the Kaua‘i Police Department warns motorists that it will be stepping up traffic enforcement.
“There are several holidays and major sporting events between now and January, and celebrations lead to the increased consumption of alcohol,” Assistant Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau Ale Quibilan said in the release. “We’d like to remind the public that their safety and the safety of those on our roadways are our top priority. So during the holiday season we will be increasing traffic monitoring and enforcement islandwide to deter unlawful and unsafe acts.”
Quibilan noted that sobriety checkpoints will be set up at various locations around the island, and police will be checking for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as other traffic violations.
“Our goal is to minimize traffic crashes and prevent unnecessary injury and property damage, but we can’t do it alone,” Quibilan said.
“As always, we are asking for the public’s help to abide by the traffic laws, drive safely, and be considerate of other motorists and pedestrians so that we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.”
The Patrol Services Bureau also offers these traffic safety tips for the holiday season:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch the road and not your cell phone.
• Don’t leave packages or other valuables in your car, and if you must, keep them out of sight.
• If at all possible, put belongings in your trunk before you reach your destination.
• Allow yourself more time than necessary to get to your destination. The holiday season means more cars on the road and more traffic congestion.
• Always drive with courtesy and aloha.
