Three Pedestrians Killed While Trying to Cross I-85

Three men were struck and killed early Tuesday while attempting to cross Interstate 85 in DeKalb County GA.

The accident happened near Chamblee-Tucker Road at approximately 5 AM and blocked all southbound lanes of traffic for almost two hours, causing an 8-mile backup all the way to Beaver Ruin Road in Gwinnett County.

Witnesses say the men climbed up the median wall and tried to cross about twelve lanes of traffic.  Police were baffled as to why they would do such a thing, however it was later discovered the men were intoxicated.

The three men got on to the interstate from the eastern side and crossed about six lanes of traffic and scaled the median wall that separates the northbound and southbound lanes.  They were hit by a pickup truck as they were attempting to cross the south lanes.

The driver of the truck stopped and stayed on the scene of the accident.  No charges were filed as of Tuesday.  The identities of the three men have not been released as of yet.

Police were attempting to figure out why the three men would be trying to cross a busy Georgia interstate.  Witnesses were successful in giving the police useful information that has aided in their investigation.

Unfortunately since everyone in the group was killed, investigators have had a tough time figuring out a timeline of the men's activity early Tuesday morning and what happened with them Monday night.  Police do not know if they will ever put the pieces together and get the answers they seek.

This is indeed a tragic incident.  I imagine the driver of the pickup truck was incredibly upset and shaken and rightly so.  This is a lesson to everyone that alcohol isn't just dangerous when you're behind the wheel of a car.  Alcohol impairs one's judgment and makes them do things they typically would not do; it also lowers inhibitions.  This is why we have pedestrian under the influence laws.

Don't just be cautious about drinking and driving.  Be responsible for your own safety and learn from this horrible accident.