Once again a new study shows that being a pedestrian in Hawai'i can be a dangerous prospect.

This latest survey of 81 statewide intersections, conducted by the AARP, found roughly two dozen crosswalks were timed too briefly for pedestrians to make it across. That's especially troubling when you realize that the bulk of the crosswalks studied are frequented by pedestrians with canes, wheelchairs and walkers, or people with children or strollers.

The study also shows that too many motorists are either unaware of the state's new crosswalk law or simply fail to adhere to it.

The law was enacted last year in response to painful statistics that showed our pedestrian death rate over the past five years is the seventh highest in the nation. Changing that statistic is something we must all work on as a community.

The first place to start is education. For drivers who failed to notice, the crosswalk law states that motorists must stop completely and yield when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway that the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

Let's try this common-sense application: When a pedestrian is crossing the street, drivers should just stop and give them the right of way. Period.

It's also important to remember that pedestrian safety is a two-way street. Too many folks dart across the street in unmarked crosswalks. And who hasn't seen the obsessive gabber, with an ear glued to a cell phone, dithering in the crosswalk oblivious to oncoming traffic?

For its part, the state plans to use the AARP study as a starting point for review. If these statistics bear out, the state should indeed look at extending the time allotted for crossing, and look at other pedestrian-friendly improvements.

In the meantime, motorists would be well served to know the current crosswalk law and abide by it. And pedestrians should pay attention and make their own safety a top priority as well. Pedestrian safety must be a shared responsibility.