Final answer:
Speed limits on freeways apply to all lanes unless signage states otherwise. Safety on roads, including the ability of pedestrians to cross safely, depends on drivers adhering to these limits and considering road conditions. Additional traffic controls like signals may also be in place to ensure pedestrian safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
On highways and freeways, speed limits do indeed apply to all lanes, unless otherwise specified by signage or local traffic laws. For example, some roads might have a carpool or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane with a different speed limit, but such exceptions will be clearly indicated. By law, all vehicles must adhere to the posted speed limit whether they are in the furthermost lane, middle lane, or the lane closest to the roadway's edge.
It is essential to remember that the legal speed limit is a maximum, not a target; drivers should always be prepared to adjust their speed lower than the posted limit in the case of hazardous conditions such as heavy traffic, poor weather, or roadwork. Moreover, while some drivers may exceed the speed limit or go at a pace that makes it unsafe for a pedestrian like a rabbit to cross, this behavior increases the risk of accidents or endangering other road users.
Therefore, regardless of which lane a car is traveling in, the overall safety for pedestrians crossing will greatly depend on drivers following the speed limits and being mindful of road conditions and surroundings. Safety mechanisms such as traffic signals are put in place in certain areas to manage traffic flow and ensure that pedestrians have a safe opportunity to cross the street.