Why Pedestrian-on-Interstate Crashes Are So Dangerous

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) designs interstates for continuous, high-speed vehicle traffic, not for people on foot. In this case, four vehicles were reportedly involved, illustrating how quickly a single pedestrian incident can escalate into a larger, multi-vehicle event. There are no crosswalks, no sidewalks, and often minimal lighting, which means drivers have very little time to see and react to a pedestrian in the roadway. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, nine out of ten pedestrians struck by a vehicle traveling 40 miles per hour will die from their injuries. On an interstate like I-75, where posted speeds regularly exceed that mark, the odds facing anyone caught in the travel lanes are grim.

These crashes are also uniquely dangerous for other drivers. A pedestrian suddenly appearing in a travel lane at night, especially on a stretch with limited lighting, can force sudden braking or swerving, increasing the risk of secondary collisions. In this case, four vehicles reportedly collided, illustrating how quickly a single pedestrian incident can escalate into a larger, multi-vehicle event.

Pedestrian Deaths Are a Growing Problem in Georgia

Pedestrian fatalities make up a significant and troubling share of Georgia’s overall traffic deaths. Of the 1,466 roadway deaths recorded statewide in 2024, roughly one in five involved a pedestrian. Fulton County, where Wednesday’s crash occurred, has consistently ranked among the counties with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia, alongside DeKalb and Cobb counties. Statewide data also shows that the vast majority of pedestrian deaths, around 84 percent, happen after dark, when visibility is lowest and reaction times are shortest for both drivers and people on foot. Wednesday’s crash, which occurred in the early morning hours before sunrise, fits that troubling pattern. For more statistics on pedestrian safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pedestrian safety page.

What This May Mean for the Family

Because this remains an active investigation, it is too early to say what factors contributed to Mr. Mayer being on the interstate or whether any of the involved drivers could face liability. In Georgia, when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence, the deceased person’s family may have the ability to pursue a wrongful death claim. A surviving spouse, children, or, in some circumstances, the personal representative of the estate on behalf of other family members generally bring these claims. For detailed information on wrongful death claims in Georgia, see the Georgia Judicial Branch overview of wrongful death.

Georgia law allows a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the “full value of the life” of the person who died, a concept that can include both the economic value of the person’s life, such as lost income and benefits, and the intangible value of their relationships and experiences. Separately, the estate may be able to pursue a related claim for the deceased’s own pain, suffering, and medical expenses before death, along with funeral and burial costs.

Cases involving multiple vehicles, as this one does, can be especially complex, since determining how each driver’s actions contributed to the outcome often requires a careful review of the police investigation, any available dashcam or surveillance footage, and witness statements. A crash often leaves families facing a loss with more questions than answers in the days immediately following it, particularly when so many details remain preliminary.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy as the investigation continues.