Walking along highways is not a safe choice. Vehicles are usually traveling at no less than 55 or 60 miles per hour and often much faster. In an accident the driver is protected by the car or truck while a pedestrian has no safety net whatsoever.
In many places it is illegal to walk alongside highways - this is true because of the fact that it is a gravely dangerous action. Of course, it's one thing if your vehicle breaks down or you run out of gas and you must pull over and then walk for help. Otherwise - I would definitely discourage it.
The reason this topic has been broached in this blog is that the nephew of international celebrity was walking alongside a highway in Florida to draw attention to a charitable cause. He was struck and killed and while few details are available the following information is known.
First, the man has made this 900 mile trek on several occasions and for the same cause over the past few years with no incident. However, reports suggest he was walking at night on an unlit highway. Although someone claims he was on the correct side of the white edge line - that is not a barrier.
A person driving down the road only needs to look away for a moment and their car or truck will drift over to the side - and into the path of the walker before they even have an opportunity to 'correct'. And with texting and cell phones you never know.
Don't walk along the highways - it is simply too dangerous.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.
