Crossing the highway is an extremely dangerous practice that endangers the lives of pedestrians and drivers. Motorways are designed for fast driving, often with speed limits above 100 km/h, which leaves minimal time to react to unexpected obstacles.
Statistics of pedestrian injuries on highways
Although precise data on pedestrian fatalities on highways is limited, the available information indicates the seriousness of the problem.
Pedestrian fatalities on highways have been a growing concern in recent years. In the United States, pedestrian deaths have increased by 83% since reaching their lowest point in 2009, with a total of 7,522 pedestrian deaths reported in 2022, accounting for 18% of all crash fatalities.
A significant portion of these fatalities occur on highways and other high-speed roads. In 2021, approximately 73% of pedestrian deaths happened at non-intersection locations, which often include highways. Factors contributing to these incidents include poor lighting conditions—76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark—and roadways with multiple lanes and higher speed limits.
Dangers and consequences of crossing the highway
Crossing the highway on foot carries with it several key dangers:
High vehicle speeds: Highway drivers often drive at speeds above 100 km/h, which reduces their ability to react in time to pedestrians on the roadway.
Reduced visibility: Night conditions, adverse weather conditions or inadequate lighting can further reduce pedestrian visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
Limited stopping capabilities: Even with a quick reaction, vehicles need a significant distance to stop at high speeds, which is often not possible in time to avoid a collision.
The consequences of such accidents are often fatal for pedestrians, while drivers can suffer serious injuries and permanent psychological trauma.
Preventive measures and international experiences
Various countries have implemented measures to reduce the risk of highway overruns:
Physical barriers: Placing fences along highways prevents pedestrians and animals from accessing the roadway.
Overground and underground crossings: The construction of pedestrian bridges and underpasses enables safe crossing over the highway.
Lighting and signage: Improved lighting and clear signage alert drivers to potential hazards and increase their attention.
Education: It is extremely important to educate the general population about the dangers of running over the highway. Human vision is not the best at always recognizing high speeds and how fast an object is really approaching.
The city of Hoboken in the USA managed to eliminate the number of traffic fatalities. This was achieved by completely banning parking near pedestrian crossings, thus improving visibility and reducing the risk of accidents.
Countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden, which are known for their advanced traffic infrastructure, have implemented comprehensive measures to protect pedestrians, resulting in lower traffic fatality rates.
Conclusion
Crossing the highway poses a serious risk to the safety of all road users. Educating pedestrians about the dangers, strict enforcement of traffic regulations and investment in infrastructure are key to reducing the number of such accidents. Considering the seriousness of the consequences, it is necessary to constantly work on raising awareness.
