(COLORADO) — Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is warning pedestrians to avoid using any roadways not designed for pedestrian use. When pedestrians are present on access-controlled roads, such as highways, they are placing themselves and motorists at greater risk and can even be ticketed. Worse-case scenario they can also get hurt or die if they cause a crash. Data over the past five years (2019-2023) shows CSP investigated 292 crashes involving a person on a roadway they were not permitted. These crashes resulted in either a serious injury or death 53.1% of the time. The highest counties with fatal and injury crashes caused by pedestrians being in a roadway where they were not permitted include: Adams County Pueblo County Douglas County Jefferson County Boulder County Further research showed the top five roadways for these crashes were: I-25 H287 H50 I-70 H6 These types of accidents have outpaced 2023's numbers this year. Data from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024, showed a 72% increase in crashes. During the same time period, there were 25 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2023 and 43 in 2024. “Crossing a highway on foot or walking alongside a road that is not designed for pedestrians is extremely dangerous,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “Pedestrians are less likely to survive these collisions. Drivers aren’t expecting to see people on these types of roads, and highway speeds reduce reaction time and require longer stopping distances, leading to devastating collisions if a pedestrian enters a lane or a vehicle fails to maintain proper lane position. Road debris can also be launched from passing vehicles.” CSP asks if you see someone in an unsafe situation on a highway to safely pull over, park, and call 9-1-1.