Writer Stirling Morita provided an insightful and timely take in his Oct. 31 “Island Voices” column, published in the wake of the death of a parking attendant at Kaiser Permanente’s Moanalua Hospital (“Journalists in position to alleviate pedestrian death crisis,” Star-Advertiser). I would also suggest that journalists should routinely report the make, model and hood height of the vehicle involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian. Doing so may raise awareness of the fact that pedestrians are 45% more likely to die when struck by a truck with a tall, straight-edged hood (e.g., Chevy Silverado) than by a low-rise, contoured hood (e.g., Toyota Corolla).
A car breaks your leg and sends you up onto the hood, where the safety glass in the windshield may cushion the impact.The oversize truck breaks your ribs and sends you to the pavement where you may then be crushed to death.
Insurance companies already know this, but judging by the proliferation of these trucks, it’s not front of mind for most when purchasing a new vehicle.
Luke Wassermann
Kaneohe
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
