CAUTION: Families crossing 12-lane freeway
Whenever I take friends to Tijuana (that’s across the border, in Mexico), just a couple of miles north of the border on Interstate 805 I always get exclamations of “What?” in response to this sign:
Yep. People crossing road. But this isn’t just any “road.” This is a
10-lane freeway with a concrete divider in the center. Traffic is doing
65 mph in the slow lane and 85 or 90 mph in the fast lane. That’s the view going south. The view going north is even funnier, albeit sad at the same time. Look at the signs at the left and right of the freeway:
At that spot going north, with freeway splits and on ramps, it’s a 12-lane freeway!
Apparently there are Mexican families who run across freeways to try to circumvent Border Patrol checkpoints or outrun Border Patrol vehicles. I have heard that there are similar signs on freeways in north San Diego County but I’ve never seen one. My research indicates that the north county signs are, or were, frequently stolen — what a strange souvenir! — and apparently have not been replaced. Don’t know whether it’s because of budget cuts or because it’s just not worth providing an ongoing source of strange souvenirs.
Obviously, it would be nice if people coming to the United States would come via the proper channels, but still, be careful if you’re driving the freeways anywhere in San Diego County because a family looking for a better life might be crossing the freeway. And with that, I’ll leave the politics for another time….
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Posted on September 13, 2012, in Manmade, Out & About, Photos and tagged family crossing highway signs san diego, people crossing road highway signs. Bookmark the permalink. 44 Comments.
Strange indeed Ray…the risks people take
be good to yourself
David
When I first came to CA these signs really struck me…now I view them as normal.
I spend a lot of time in Mexico and see so many things that are unsafe – eg. Dad on scooter with toddler in front of him, mom sitting behind holding baby in a basket. I cringe just thinking about it.
I thought it was strange the first time I saw the sign as well and sad too.
That is crazy AND sad, wow.
Strange and sad.
Are you up early or late?
Very interesting!
What a life.
Watch out for Bears and mountain lions in Los Angeles County trying to make it across the freeways.
No comment on the politics of this one, but I love Zoey’s look on the stamp today. Says it all right there…
Despite the unfortunate reality that necessitates it, that is just one hell of a great sign. Thanks for liking my blog! I also love the flower shots.
What a simple, stark graphic on a complicated issue. Sad.
I like the way you worded that.
That is just crazy!
We have the same thing here in South Africa but, to make it more interesting for motorists, we ignore putting signs up and let them guess that it’s going to happen
I can see both the humour in these signs as well as the sad reality, I did have a giggle though (shame on me). I think we could use some here in South Africa. But other than dodging cars and patrol men, the poor souls crossing over here put up with Lions, Hippos, Crocs, soldiers and land mines before hitting the 10 lane highways and occasional xenophobic attacks. Just saying.
It’s a sad statement, I think…
Humanity will take great risks when there is the possibility for hope! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
you’re brilliant always !
Crossing 10 or 12 lanes of heavy traffic can be a minor problem compared to the options. It’s all relative, isn’t it?
That’s crazy!
What a cat! She looks like she’s giving a half-smile in this latest photo. What a character!
Terrible to risk your life for freedom ?!
It is (sadly) humorous that the child’s feet don’t even touch the ground!!
It is. Someone told me that many years ago it was a family of four with two children flying through the air.
I first saw this sign years ago when visiting in San Diego and it stunned me for a moment to think about how often it must happen that they warrant a sign. But they must really cross fast as that kid is “flying”.
I’ve seen that sign before! I couldn’t believe it at first and I kind of laughed, but then I thought about it. So sad that these families have to escape into our country, I wish it could be easier for everyone who wants freedom to be here
Thank you Russel so much for visiting few of my posts.That is delightful.l do follow your weblog ,very interesting Warm regards.jalal
I have actually seen peple running accross that Freeway in that area, Some people had come over the fence at some point and scattered in all diections and some went accross the Freeway.
I’ve actually seen that sign as a poster somewhere, tho I don’t recall where. It is indeed a rather humourous situation, albeit so very sad at the same time. Thanks for sharing! Also thanks so much for liking so many of my posts recently – your support is encouraging!
i’ve been there and have seen the signs It’s crazy.
It just shows how desperate people are to try and make a better life for themselves and their families. Because that does look bloddy dangerous. Very nice piece, thank you. – A.
Hi there and thanks for visiting and following my blog. Hope you enjoy it.
I fully admit that I think that sign is hilarious. While I recognize how terrible and desperate the need and willingness to take this and any risk to do what must be done, come on. That sign is hilarious.
–Julie
Yes, it’s true, sadly. Next week I will see it when I drive down with a group of students from Dominican University to do a service project in Tijuana. And thank you for following.
We have to worry here in TX if a van or pickup truck is in an accident in front of you – you have to be ready to brake/avoid people/children fleeing the accident scene. Coyotes get them across the border and inside the US 30+ miles where they are picked up (in often stolen vehicles – white Ford 150′s and vans are the most popular choices) and transported to Houston ( where they are stashed in houses – and sometimes held captive until the families give even more money and then transported to other states)
It’s a dangerous shadow world. The signs there are just the surface part of it all
Interesting post, Russel. I lived in Texas (including on the border) for over 20 years and never saw a sign like the one in your photo. I believe it is a good thing that the state of California is trying to protect families and drivers. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend!
I was born in Kingsville, Texas. Surprisingly, I never went across the border until I was a senior in high school.
Haha, that sign is hilarious, it’s like they are a type if wildlife that you have to look out for lol!
Thanks for sharing, all the best
Rohan.
By the time a driver comes up on the sign so that he/she can read it, the family would already have been run over!
I have heard of this before and now with your article and the picture, it is sad and risky:(
Yes, I had heard about it but you don’t realise until you actually see how risky it is…Desperation can make people do anything….