Pedestrian Death In San Mateo Sparks Push For Safety Changes

SAN MATEO, CA — A recent fatal crash in San Mateo has prompted officials to press Caltrans for safety upgrades at one of the city’s most dangerous intersections.

During a San Mateo City Council meeting on Jan. 26, multiple residents spoke about Veronica Vasquez, a woman in her 60s who was struck and killed while crossing El Camino Real at 17th Avenue after stepping off a SamTrans bus.

Residents expressed to the council that, despite some ongoing safety projects, they feel there's a crisis. Others called the 17th Avenue crossing the most dangerous intersection.

Advocates have linked Vasquez’s death to a broader pattern of serious crashes on El Camino Real. Speakers urged the city to keep recent victims in mind when choosing between safe options and decisions that prioritize traffic flow.

Councilmember Rob Newsom later asked the council to formally push Caltrans and other partners to act, emphasizing that while El Camino is a state highway, the city should use its influence.

“I would like to ask the city, and ask you as a council, to direct the city to find ways to take some action,” Newsom said. He suggested measures such as giving pedestrians a short head start at signals, adding flashing beacons at key crosswalks, and ensuring El Camino complies with new state daylighting requirements that keep cars set back from corners for visibility.

Newsom also tied the issue to equity, noting that many of the people walking along El Camino are low‑income residents and transit riders.

San Mateo City Manager Alex Khojikian said staff would draft a letter to Caltrans District 4 and work with local legislators to seek changes at 17th Avenue and other locations, then set up a meeting that would include two council members.

Mayor Adam Loraine indicated support for that approach, and other council members agreed. Councilmember Lisa Diaz Nash said the council should use their influence with state agencies while the city continues its own local safety work.