(San Mateo, CA) A woman died Friday morning, January 23, after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy intersection in a 17th Avenue crash.
San Mateo police said officers responded around 10:30 a.m. to reports of a collision at 17th Avenue and South El Camino Real. First responders arrived to find a woman with critical injuries in the roadway.
Paramedics provided emergency care and transported the woman to a hospital. Authorities pronounced her dead shortly after arrival. Authorities did not release the victim’s name or age, pending notification of next of kin.
Police said preliminary information indicates the vehicle had been turning north from Bovet Road onto northbound South El Camino Real when the collision occurred. Investigators believe the impact happened within the north crosswalk of South El Camino Real at 17th Avenue. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Police did not announce any arrests and did not say whether impairment or speed played a role.
Authorities closed both directions of South El Camino Real for about three hours while officers documented the scene. They also closed the westbound State Route 92 exit to South El Camino Real during that time.
Analysis on the 17th Avenue Crash
When a pedestrian is struck in a marked crosswalk, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on turning movements, right-of-way, and driver awareness at signalized intersections.
Because the collision occurred while a vehicle was turning, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law. This law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway within marked or unmarked crosswalks. Turning drivers must watch for people already in the crosswalk before proceeding.
Authorities may also review the Unsafe Turning Law. This law requires drivers to ensure a turn can be made with reasonable safety before initiating the movement. Intersections like South El Camino Real often involve multiple lanes and complex traffic patterns, which demand careful scanning and reduced speed during turns.
If speed or reaction time becomes a factor, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires motorists to drive at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even at lawful speeds, turning too quickly can limit a driver’s ability to detect a pedestrian in time, and these considerations help investigators evaluate what may have led to the 17th Avenue crash as evidence is reviewed.
Support for the Family
If you are related to the victim or are supporting her loved ones, stay in contact with investigators. They can help you receive updates and obtain the official police report when it becomes available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal pedestrian cases to better understand your options and next steps. Emotional support is important after a sudden loss, and leaning on family members, friends, or local grief counseling resources can help during an extremely difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
