Other programs include conducting educational campaigns to alert people about dangers to pedestrians and installing barriers along the roadway to restrict pedestrian access. Assisting Unintended Pedestrians on Interstates Thirty-one states reported they have roadside assistance vehicles to help people after a breakdown or crash. Most states reported that police officers routinely stop when they see pedestrians on an Interstate. State maintenance vehicles also stop to help motorists. Some states post signs that inform motorists to call 911 for help or maintain toll-free emergency cell phone hotlines.
Motorists use a push-button device to call for emergency or roadside assistance.
The device pinpoints the location from which the call originated. When a crash happens, the system automatically notifies emergency personnel of the extent of damage and the location of the incident. The Mayday program can also help quickly locate and rescue unintended pedestrians from the highway. Alerting Drivers to Pedestrians Four states post signs to warn motorists of pedestrian crossings. Other design adaptations helpful to drivers include maintaining wide shoulders and using rumble strips to let drivers know when they are leaving the roadway.