• 27
  • January
    2012

Last weekend, a man walking in the right travel lane on I-75 was hit and killed by a car. The car's driver said that it was dark and the pedestrian appeared suddenly. This is the fourth fatal car accident in Ocala / Marion County already this year.

Meanwhile, a weekend car crash in South Florida killed three individuals, including one Good Samaritan. According to the Sun Sentinel, eleven people have been killed and many more injured in the last year after leaving their cars on Florida highways.

These highway car accidents bring up two issues: 1) What can drivers do to keep an eye out for people and stalled vehicles on the side of the highways?; and 2) What should people do when their cars are disabled on the highway?

Tips for Spotting Pedestrians on Highways

A multi-lane or high-speed highway is simply too dangerous for pedestrians. In Florida, it is against the law for pedestrians to walk on a limited access freeway or interstate highway. Unfortunately, some people don't heed these warnings. Thus, drivers must stay as alert as possible. This means:

  • Keeping your eyes on the road at all times, continually scanning the road for pedestrians or other objects out of the ordinary
  • Going the speed limit - the faster you go, the harder it will be for you to respond to a bike or pedestrian on the side of the road
  • Testing your headlights to ensure they are working properly
  • Turning off your cell phone and avoiding other distractions

What to Do When Your Car Stalls or You Are in an Accident on the Freeway

"You want to get to the safest place possible," Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Mark Wysocky told the Sun Sentinel. Sometimes, the safest place is your car. If you have to stop on the freeway, pay attention to your surroundings. If you are able, stand behind guard rails.

If there aren't any guardrails around you, it may be best to stay in your car. This is true even if you have a flat tire. Calling a tow truck is a much safer option to changing a tire by yourself on the side of a busy highway.

Furthermore, while Good Samaritans are very much appreciated, it may be best to call for help rather than pull over to help someone who is stalled or in a minor accident on the side of the road.

Source: Sun Sentinel, "South Florida Roads Prove Dangerous for People Not in Their Cars," Robert Nolin, Jan. 23, 2012.