With everyone's focus on driving with aloha, Oahu is experiencing a clear downward trend with motor vehicle traffic collisions since 2007 when we had a total of 23,861.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, the motor-vehicle collision statistics for the 2009 are:

• major: 4,998
• minor: 16,357
• total: 21,355

Still, 55 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions last year.

And Hawaii continues to be a dangerous place for pedestrians, though the number of pedestrian fatalities also continues to drop. According to Walk Wise Hawaii, in 2005 (the most recent year available) we ranked fourth in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.

From 2007 to 2009, we saw great improvements as the number of pedestrian fatalities dropped from 28 to 16. Unfortunately, the numbers seem to be on the rise again - in just the first half of 2010 alone, Hawaii has already experienced 14 traffic-related pedestrian fatalities.

We don't want to see the numbers increase any more. It is now more important than ever that we do our part to make the roads safe for Hawaii drivers and pedestrians. Remember: Drive safe, drive smart - Drive Aloha!