Pedestrian Safety on California Freeways Under Scrutiny Amid Rising Homelessness

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has raised alarms over the increasing incidents of pedestrians on freeways, particularly in urban areas with significant homeless populations, such as Sacramento. CHP spokesperson Mike Carrillo noted that regions with higher homelessness correlate with elevated call volumes for pedestrian-related incidents. This concern was underscored by a tragic event on Tuesday morning when a pedestrian attempting to cross I-80 East was struck and killed by multiple vehicles, prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. In response to the growing issue, CHP is collaborating with Caltrans to address the presence of homeless encampments on state land adjacent to freeways. Carrillo explained that individuals found in these areas are given a three-day notice to vacate, as their presence poses a danger not only to themselves but also to drivers. The potential consequences of such encounters can be severe, as highlighted by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho, who noted that individuals involved in pedestrian accidents often experience lasting psychological effects, sometimes leading them to stop driving altogether. Dr. Ho emphasized the importance of seeking support for those affected by such traumatic experiences, advising them to communicate with trusted individuals. In light of the rising pedestrian fatalities, which have seen a 5% increase from early 2023 to 2024, CHP urges anyone who finds themselves in a precarious situation on the freeway to call for help while remaining in their vehicle or to use designated call boxes for assistance.