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. Hawaii Tribune-Herald Hilo, Hawaii Page 1 of 2 ' ~s N ~ Print Page Naw~ii Eeads U.S. in DUE t~t~Eities County police trying to raise awareness, arresting mare for drinking and driving by Terrie Henderson Tribune-Herald Staff Writer You're more likely to die in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash in Hawaii than anywhere else in the country, according to a report released last month. Hawaii County Police Sgt. Dexter Veriato said more than half of the state's fatal motor vehicle accidents are a result of drinking and driving. Police and state officials are looking for ways to lower that number with public awareness campaigns and education, he said. In August, the National Center for Statistics and Analysis in Washington, D.C., released the 2006 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment Alcohol-Related Fatalities. Nationwide, there were 43,510 motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2005. Of those, 17,590 40 percent were alcohol-related. In 2006, there were 42,642 crash fatalities. Of those, 17,602 41 percent were alcohol-related. While the study shows the national percentage has risen, it also shows Hawaii's already-high percentage of DUI fatalities increased within the last year. In 2005, there were 140 motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Some 51 percent 72 deaths --were due to drunk driving. Hawaii isn't the only state with an alarming percentage of DUI deaths. Also at the tap in 2005 was Alaska with 50 percent, Rhode Island with 55 percent, District of Columbia with 58 percent, and South Carolina with 51 percent. Puerto Rico, which was also included, reported 51 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities were caused by drinking and driving. In comparison, Iowa reported 26 percent and Utah reported 14 percent. And while other top-ranking states saw decreases in percentages in 2006, Hawaii took the reins as the state with the highest percentage of motor vehicle fatalities with alcohol as a factor. In 2006, there were 161 total motor vehicle fatalities in Hawaii. The number of alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities reached 84 52 percent. Alaska's percentage dropped to 31, Rhode Island declined to 51 percent, District of Columbia fell to 48 percent and South Carolina dropped to 50 percent. Puerto Rico also reported a decrease, at 42 percent. States on the lower end, however, reported Increases in 2006. Utah had 24 percent and Iowa reported 34 percent. Veriato said although the number of DUI deaths in 'he state are rising, police here are working hard to arrest those who chose to drive under the influence. On the Big Island in 2005, there were 23 impaired a,ivers involved in fatal crashes according to the police department. Of those drivers, 17 were killed in the crash. In 2004, there were 25 impaired http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2007/09/01/local news/local03.prt 9/4/2007