I am guessing the height of the curb is to prevent traffic from crossing into the other lane and also to stop some of the sand from coming onto the road. Look at how people drive through the area, stop and look, etc. IF it were not for the height of the curbs, there would be numerous cases of vehicles hitting other vehicles. The curbs are there for a reason and you pretty much stated it.

How about the PEDESTRIANS just stay off the road?

Same picture but another update HERE.