Why is I-10 Considered One of the Most Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians in El Paso?

When you think of high‑risk pedestrian areas in El Paso, the busy west‑east artery of I‑10 often doesn’t immediately come to mind. However, it should. In recent years, the section of I‑10 that cuts through El Paso has become a startling hotspot for pedestrian accidents. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why I‑10 is especially dangerous for pedestrians, the data behind it, common hazard factors, and what you can do if you or someone you love is involved in a pedestrian accident over there. Call us today if you have any questions!

Why I‑10 Is So Dangerous for Pedestrians

Interstate 10 runs right through the heart of El Paso, slicing across neighborhoods, businesses, and high-traffic areas. While it’s a vital route for commuters and freight, it also creates serious dangers for anyone on foot. High speeds, poor infrastructure, and complex traffic patterns make I‑10 one of the most hazardous places for pedestrians in El Paso.

Below are the key factors that contribute to the ongoing risk:

1. High‑Speed Through Traffic

Vehicles on I‑10 often travel between 65 to 75 mph or more, especially in areas without regular congestion. At these speeds, drivers have very little time to notice and react to a person walking near the road. Even if a pedestrian is spotted, the sheer force of impact at highway speed is usually catastrophic or fatal. Slower reaction times, longer stopping distances, and reduced visibility at night only increase this danger. Many wrongful death claims in El Paso stem from high-speed pedestrian collisions on I‑10, where survival is unlikely due to the severity of impact.

2. Limited Pedestrian Infrastructure

Many sections of I‑10 in El Paso lack essential pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks, marked crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and lighting. Without these basic protections, individuals may have no safe route to cross or walk near the highway. This often forces people to:

• Walk on the shoulder or grassy areas near speeding vehicles
• Cross six to eight lanes of traffic without signals
• Navigate confusing or dimly lit roadways at night or during low visibility

This lack of infrastructure turns routine walking into a life-threatening act, especially for those without vehicles or public transit access.

3. Complex On and Off Ramps and Freeway Access

El Paso’s I‑10 corridor includes dozens of access points, including sharp curves, multiple-lane merges, and poorly marked exits. These zones are high-risk for pedestrians, especially near places like:

• Downtown El Paso exits like Exit 19B
• Areas near retail shopping centers and transit stops
• Intersections close to residential neighborhoods

Fast‑moving vehicles often enter and exit without expecting or noticing pedestrians. In these transition areas, drivers may change lanes abruptly, accelerating or decelerating quickly, leaving little time to stop or react to a person on foot.

4. Poor Lighting & Vision Barriers 

At night or during early morning hours, many stretches of I‑10 suffer from insufficient lighting, especially under overpasses or near construction zones. In addition:

• Truck trailers, walls, or highway signs can block views
• Shrubs or overgrown areas reduce sightlines for both drivers and pedestrians
• Weather conditions like fog or dust storms further reduce visibility

All of this makes pedestrians nearly invisible in certain spots until it’s too late, especially if they’re wearing dark clothing.

5. Driver Distraction & Fatigue

I‑10 sees a mix of commuters and long-haul drivers, many of whom are driving for extended periods. This increases the likelihood of:

• Texting while driving
• Drowsy or inattentive driving
• Reaction delays due to exhaustion or impairment

Even small moments of inattention — like checking a GPS or answering a phone call — can result in tragedy when a pedestrian is in or near the roadway.

Real‑World Examples from 2025

• In September 2025, a 21-year-old pedestrian, Kevin Lopez‑Vazquez, was struck and killed on I‑10 West near Paisano in El Paso. The driver reportedly hit him while he was on foot in the freeway crossing.
• In January 2025, a pedestrian was fatally struck on Interstate 10 East at the Lomaland exit in El Paso.

Common Injuries in I‑10 Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians hit on I‑10 in El Paso often suffer life-altering or fatal injuries due to the high speeds and weight of vehicles involved. Unlike crashes on city streets, freeway accidents give pedestrians almost no chance of escaping serious harm. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in these tragic collisions:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head impacts with the ground, vehicles, or barriers can cause concussions, skull fractures, or long-term brain damage. The force of impact at freeway speeds can be devastating.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, depending on where the injury occurs. These types of injuries often lead to lifelong disability, requiring extensive rehab and assistive equipment.

3. Broken Bones & Fractures

Legs, arms, hips, and ribs are commonly fractured or shattered during impact. These injuries may require surgeries, pins, plates, and lengthy physical therapy. Multiple fractures can delay recovery for months or years.

4. Internal Injuries

The blunt force from being hit or thrown can damage internal organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be visible but are often life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

5. Lacerations and Road Rash

High-speed impacts can throw pedestrians across the pavement, leading to deep cuts, abrasions, or “road rash”. These wounds increase the risk of infection, scarring, and nerve damage.

6. Pelvic and Hip Injuries

In many pedestrian crashes, the bumper of the vehicle strikes the hip or pelvic area. This can lead to serious pelvic fractures, joint dislocation, or soft tissue damage that impairs walking or mobility.

7. Fatal Injuries

Sadly, many I‑10 pedestrian accidents result in death at the scene or shortly afterward. The sheer velocity of freeway traffic means survivability is extremely low. In these cases, families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, lost support, and more.

What to Do If You’re Hit or Involved

If you or a loved one has been struck while walking on or near I‑10 in El Paso, here are important steps to protect your rights:

• Call 911: Always call the police, even if the driver leaves the scene. When officers arrive, give a clear and honest account of what happened. Ask for the crash report number or incident ID so you can get a copy later. This report is a key document for insurance claims and legal cases.
• Seek medical care right away: Even if you think you’re okay, always get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take hours or even days to show symptoms. You might not feel pain right away because your body is in shock and full of adrenaline. Quick medical care protects your health and also provides records that can support your claim later.
• Document as much as possible: Use your phone to take photos or videos of everything around you. Capture wide shots of the entire scene and close-ups of injuries, vehicle damage, broken glass, skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, and lighting conditions. Don’t forget small details like torn clothing or scattered debris, which can support your version of events.
• Write down what you remember: As soon as you’re safe, jot down everything you can recall while it’s still fresh. Note the time of day, weather conditions, how well-lit the area was, if any other pedestrians were nearby, whether traffic was heavy or light, your location in relation to crosswalks or guardrails, and how the vehicle approached. These details may help reconstruct what happened.
• Try to get contact information of any witnesses: If anyone saw the incident, ask for their full name, phone number, and a brief statement if they’re willing. Even a few words from a bystander can support your claim later. Witnesses may remember things you missed and help validate your version of events.
• Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC right away. Our team of experienced pedestrian‑injury lawyers understands the hazards of I‑10 in El Paso and can help you pursue compensation. Contact us for a consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney who serves El Paso and the I‑10 corridor.

Legal Pathways & Compensation

If the Driver Is Identified

If law enforcement identifies the vehicle or driver, for example, in a hit‑and‑run, you may seek a personal injury claim for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disability or permanent impairment

If the Driver Is Not Identified

Even when the driver isn’t found, you may still recover via your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or certain state funds. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in El Paso will check your policy and uncover all possible options.

Claimed Fault & Comparative Responsibility

In Texas, if you are partially at fault, you may still recover damages if you are less than 51 % at fault under the modified comparative fault rules. That means just because you were walking where you shouldn’t doesn’t automatically stop you from making a claim. It may reduce it.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents on I‑10

Though I‑10 poses inherent risks, some preventive steps can reduce danger:

• Avoid walking along freeway shoulders or ramps unless there’s absolutely no alternative.
  
• Try to use pedestrian bridges or crossover points, though these are limited along I‑10 in El Paso.
  
• Wear bright or reflective clothing if walking near high‑speed roads.
  
• Walk against traffic when sidewalks are missing so you can see approaching vehicles.
  
• Be alert at dawn, dusk, and night, especially when visibility is worst.
  
• If you see a pedestrian in the roadway, slow down and give extra space.

Summary & What You Should Know

I-10 in El Paso continues to be a dangerous corridor for pedestrians due to a combination of high-speed traffic, poor infrastructure for foot traffic, and increased foot activity near intersections, exits, and on-ramps. Despite recent improvements and public awareness efforts, pedestrians remain vulnerable, especially in areas lacking crosswalks, sidewalks, or adequate lighting. 

If you or someone you love has been injured walking along or near I-10 in El Paso, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, today. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the recovery you deserve.

Disclaimer: The news incidents referenced above are drawn from publicly available sources for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique; always consult a qualified attorney to evaluate your specific situation.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...