Police in Windsor are reminding people that walking along the side of highways, like the E.C. Row Expressway, is a terrible idea.
If you were driving along the expressway Tuesday morning, you may have seen an unusual sight; a man in a Santa hat walking along the road near Matchette Road.
Sergeant Steve Betteridge said it is not just illegal, it is incredibly dangerous.
"When you're talking about walking on a highway like the E.C. Row, it is all about safety," he explained. "The speed on those roadways; they're not built or designed for pedestrians and bicycles."
Betteridge said it is not a common occurrence, but when police are called to remove a pedestrian from a highway, it is usually because the person is either in crisis or is trying to get back to a vehicle they have abandoned earlier.
"Get some professional help involved," he said. "A professional tow truck driver, a cab, but you have to do it in a safe method."
The penalty for walking along a highway like the E.C. Row or Highway 401 is $100, plus a victim fine surcharge of $25.
Also, if you are driving and spot someone walking along the highway, do not drive on. Betteridge emphasized considering that person's safety and call the police.