August is ``Drive Aloha Month`` to Encourage Safe and Responsible Driving

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi proclaims August as Drive Aloha Month, a reminder for motorists to drive with care and courtesy as public school students head back to class this week. Mayor Blangiardi is flanked from left to right by DTRIC vice presidents Mike Mishima, Tawana Scott, and executive vice president Dennis Rae, president and CEO Taku Mitsueda, and vice presidents Wenli Lin, Cheryl Ma and Martha Nobriga.

HONOLULU (August 7, 2023) – August is Drive Aloha Month across Hawaii, and DTRIC Insurance is asking motorists to drive with care and courtesy as public school students head back to class this week.

Honolulu City and County Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed a proclamation marking August as Drive Aloha Month to promote road safety and foster a driving culture with the Aloha spirit on the island. Other neighbor island counties have signed similar proclamations for the month.

DTRIC Insurance launched the Drive Aloha initiative in August 2016 to educate and encourage drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to practice safe and courteous behavior and create safer, friendlier roadways across our islands. The Drive Aloha campaign is a community effort promoting accountability by reminding everyone to take responsibility for their actions on the streets.

“With our keiki heading back to school, the timely Drive Aloha message is meant to remind everyone to be alert and courteous with the increased traffic on our freeways and streets this month,” said DTRIC Insurance president and CEO Taku Mitsueda. “Please be mindful of children in your neighborhood as they walk or bike to school.”

DTRIC president and CEO Taku Mitsueda (left) with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi as he proclaims August as Drive Aloha Month.

According to Hawaii State Department of Transportation figures, there were 117 traffic-related deaths on Hawaii’s roads in 2022. This included 48 motor vehicle occupants, 28 pedestrians and 40 bicyclists, motorcyclists and moped operators. There have been 53 statewide traffic fatalities so far this year.

The campaign aims to discourage bad commuting habits – distracted driving through use of cell phones, running a red light, jaywalking, speeding and cutting off other drivers – which can all lead to accidents that could have been avoided through safer behavior. Some of the safety campaign initiatives include:

• Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all commuters are urged to take the Drive Aloha pledge at www.drivealoha.com to demonstrate their commitment to practicing safer and more courteous road habits.
• Community sign-waving events in traffic hot spots to remind drivers to slow down
• Recognize citizens who promote traffic safety
• Holding contests and events to promote traffic safety working with community partners.

About DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited
Established in 1992, DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited offers personal lines of insurance, including auto, homeowners, renters, and umbrella policies. It also provides a wide range of commercial lines of insurance, including general liability, property, and workers’ compensation. DTRIC is a member of MS&AD Insurance Group, Japan’s largest insurance holding company and the eighth largest property and casualty insurance group in the world. Learn more at www.dtric.com.

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