San Mateo community rallies for pedestrian safety after crash

Residents call for fixes to dangerous intersection after father and two children were struck by a truck.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:38pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a busy city street intersection at night, with blurred streetlights and traffic signals creating a warm, atmospheric glow, conceptually representing the need for improved pedestrian safety measures.The community's call for safer streets aims to prevent future tragedies and protect vulnerable pedestrians in San Mateo.San Mateo Today

A rally in San Mateo will call for pedestrian safety improvements at a dangerous intersection where a father and his two children were recently hit by a truck, leaving the father in intensive care and the children with serious injuries. Residents say the intersection at North Delaware and State Streets near San Mateo High School is prone to speeding vehicles, and they have submitted over 1,100 letters demanding the city take action to improve lighting and slow down drivers.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges San Mateo faces in ensuring pedestrian safety, especially near schools where children are at high risk. The community is mobilizing to demand infrastructure changes to protect vulnerable road users and prevent future tragedies.

The details

On March 28, a father, his 16-year-old daughter, and 8-year-old son were struck by a truck while crossing the intersection at North Delaware and State Streets. According to a witness, the truck came in quickly and hit the family, who had looked both ways and believed the intersection was clear. The father was critically injured and remains in the intensive care unit, requiring multiple surgeries. The son suffered skull fractures on both sides, while the daughter's condition is unknown.

  • The incident occurred on March 28, 2026.
  • The community rally is planned for the near future.

The players

San Mateo community

Residents of San Mateo, California who are calling for pedestrian safety improvements at a dangerous intersection.

Father

A San Mateo resident who was critically injured when struck by a truck while crossing the intersection with his two children.

16-year-old daughter

One of the children struck by the truck, who was taken to the hospital.

8-year-old son

One of the children struck by the truck, who suffered skull fractures on both sides.

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What they’re saying

“The intersection has been dangerous for years and I recall a 14-year-old girl who was hit at the same spot.”

— Neighbor

What’s next

The city of San Mateo is expected to review the community's demands for intersection improvements in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for San Mateo to prioritize pedestrian safety, especially in areas near schools where children are at high risk. The community's call for action, including better lighting and measures to slow down drivers, could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.