Hawaii Governor Signs Laws Regarding Seat Belts And Mobile Devices While Driving

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie signed two new highway safety laws on May 20, one of which drivers and passengers will have to pay extra attention to. Before then it was not mandatory for adults sitting in the backseat of a car to wear a seat belt. Now it is.

There is also a new state law that targets talking on the phone behind the wheel and a statewide law that bans holding a mobile device while driving which supersedes county laws. Also, kids under 18 cannot even use a hands-free device while driving.

The fine is between $100 and $200 for the first offense and doubled in a school or construction zone.

Last year 20,000 distracted drivers in the state were ticketed under county laws, and 32 percent of accidents in Hawaii were caused by inattention to driving, many of which were deadly. "Behind each statistic is someone's loved one or friend," said Jadine Urasaki, State Transportation Deputy Director.

The other new law is about buckling up. People in the back seats of cars must now wear a seat belt: something Governor Abercrombie said seemed obvious but it wasn't a law before even though studies show seat belts work.

"This is really important because passengers in the back seat are three times more likely to have injuries or fatalities if they are unrestrained," said Loretta Fuddy, State Health Director.

Honolulu Police Captain Darren Izumo was at the bill signing and says he has been to over 500 fatal and critical accidents in his career. "With that experience I can say unequivocally with conviction properly worn seat belts save lives no doubt about it," said Capt. Izumo.

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