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Posted: Thursday, October 25th, 2012 9:06 AM HST

Police combat rising traffic fatalities

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Police are stepping up efforts to stem the rising death toll on Big Island Highways which has more than doubled from a year ago. Sunday’s double traffic fatality on Hawai`i Belt Road raised the 2012 traffic death count to 35 compared to 16 at this time time last year. Assistant Chief Henry Tavares says police began beefing up enforcement last month with more patrol officers on the road looking for drunk drivers along with seat belt and distracted driving violations. Tavares hopes the increased visibility will encourage people to drive more carefully.