Washington State Patrol Reminding Pedestrians to Stay Off of the Interstate

October is National Pedestrian Safety month, and the Washington State Patrol is focusing this year on making sure people know the rules when it comes to walking along major highways and interstates.

Trooper John Bryant said pedestrians are strictly prohibited from walking along the side of the roadway on an interstate, because they are considered controlled access highways.

"It's so dangerous out on the interstate." explained Bryant, "It might say 70 mph, but many people are not driving 70 mph, that's why we get speeding tickets out there. A driver may not be paying attention and they might accidently strike a pedestrian."

That rule does not apply if your car breaks down on the interstate. On state routes like highway 97 and 2, pedestrians are allowed but must walk on the left side of the roadway whenever possible.

Pedestrians are also allowed to walk on the other side of a guardrail if it's safe to do so.