The Hawaii Injury Prevention Plan 2005–2010, released by the Hawaii State Department of Health's Injury Prevention and Control Program, is attempting to improve the health and safety of the residents of Hawaii by examining common injuries, their causes and methods for their prevention.
Falls
Slip, trip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries. The elderly are especially susceptible to being injured by a fall. Falls and similar accidents were, for a number of years, the second leading cause of fatal injuries and a leading cause of unintentional injuries in Hawaii. The plan recommends increasing the accessibility of fall prevention programs in general and expanding the role of health care professionals in these programs.
Motorcycle accidents
Accidents involving motorcycles are a leading cause of fatal injuries in Hawaii with the majority those killed being young adult males. The plan recommends legislating mandatory helmet use laws and expanding the training of county police officers to recognize motorcyclists riding while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Motor vehicle accidents
The plan found a particularly high rate of serious car accidents involving teenagers. The plan recommends a new three-tiered driver licensing system that would increase the length of the learning process for young drivers.
Pedestrian accidents
The plan recommends upgrading and maintaining crosswalks and walkways for increased pedestrian safety. The plan also suggested a media campaign stressing the importance of safe road sharing between drivers and pedestrians. Finally, the plan suggested incorporating pedestrian safety in the kindergarten and elementary school curriculum, as children are especially vulnerable to being hit by a car.
If you have suffered an injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced attorneys are available for a consultation to determine your rights under the law.
Posted in Personal Injury
