Slow it down

State Representative Joey Manahan has organized a traffic awareness Hot Spots event at Kalakaua Middle School and will be joined by students, teachers, administrators, law enforcement, lawmakers, and Farmers Insurance employees armed with handmade signs and banners to remind drivers to slow down and drive safely near busy streets and crossing areas by the school. The Hot Spot event will take place on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Kalakaua Middle School from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Kalakaua Middle School is located in the Kalihi-Palama area near Dillingham Boulevard and Puuhale Road on 821 Kalihi Street. Many of their students cross these busy main thoroughfares for morning commuters every day. Over the years several pedestrian accidents have occurred near the school or in front of it.

“Safe driving should always be a priority for our communities, and we should continue to encourage, educate, and remind people of the dangers of speeding and reckless driving,” said Rep. Joey Manahan (District 29 - Sand Island, Mokauea, Kalihi Kai, Kapalama). “Increased accidents and fatalities due to speeding, and the overall issue of pedestrian safety are of great concern to us all and should be treated as a community effort.”

“Our most treasured assets are people, especially our keiki and kupuna,” added Manahan. “The participation of students and community members sends the message that the issue of speeding, safe driving, and pedestrian safety is a neighborhood priority. Farmers Insurance’s Hot Spots program is a great way to get the entire community involved.”

The Hot Spots Traffic Safety Program is a Farmers Insurance-sponsored program that allows community members, law enforcement, and schools to join together to respond to public safety concerns. The program has been around since 2002.