Hot Spots

The Honolulu Police Department was joined by Farmers Insurance Hawaii employees at the intersection of Beretania and Punchbowl Streets today, to remind drivers to obey speed limits, avoid driving distractions and watch out for pedestrians crossing streets.

More than 50 people participated in the traffic safety event to highlight the need to drive safely and cautiously, especially in light of the approaching busy Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The intersection of Beretania and Punchbowl Streets has been the site of five major traffic accidents within the past nine months, resulting in several injuries and including a pedestrian accident. A total of seven vehicles and a moped have been involved in the five accidents.

Honolulu Police officers from District 1 Community Policing and Michele Saito, President of Farmers Insurance Hawaii, led a team of Farmers Insurance Hawaii employees and other community members at the sign waving event. Signs urged drivers to follow speed limits, avoid driving distractions such as talking on cell phones, and to watch out for pedestrians.

Farmers Hawaii President Michele Saito said that the traffic safety event is part of the company’s Hot Spots program, which was started in 2002 in response to serious traffic accidents to remind drivers to slow down in front of school zones.

“Paying attention while driving is important at all times, and especially in congested downtown areas,” Saito said. “We want to remind drivers to obey traffic laws and to stay safe as we approach this busy holiday weekend.”

HPD officers from District 1 Community Policing reminded drivers to pay special attention to pedestrian crosswalks at high traffic intersections.

The Farmers Insurance Hot Spots program was started more than nine years ago in response to increased accidents and fatalities due to speeding. Schools or concerned community members interested in holding a Hot Spots event in their neighborhood should contact the Farmers Insurance Community Relations Department at 808-544-3988.