Pedestrian crash hotspots in San Mateo, CA
148 pedestrian crashes were reported in San Mateo from 2021–2025, 17 of them serious or fatal (2 fatal). Below are the spots where they keep happening, what usually goes wrong at each one, and what to watch for.
Also: Bike crash hotspots in San Mateo (122 crashes)
How people on foot get hit in San Mateo
- 53% involved a driver turning, 39% turning left.
- 64% of the people hit were in a crosswalk at an intersection.
- 13% were crossing away from a crosswalk.
- 27% happened after dark.
Where pedestrian crashes cluster
Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.
1. S El Camino Real & 5th Ave
10 crashes · 1 serious or fatalDrivers turning left into people crossing
In 5 of 10 crashes a driver was turning left. 5 of 10 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them. 30% were hit-and-run.
- → Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
2. Hillsdale Bv & S El Camino Real
7 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatalA mix of crash types
Of 7 people hit here, 3 were in a crosswalk at the intersection and 2 were crossing away from a crosswalk. 43% happened after dark.
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Cross with the signal, and check for turning drivers before you step out.
- → Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
3. E 4th Av & B St
10 crashesDrivers turning left into people crossing
In 4 of 10 crashes a driver was turning left. 6 of 10 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them.
- → Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
4. E 3rd Ave & East Curb Line Prolongation Of S Delaware St
8 crashesDrivers turning left into people crossing
In 3 of 8 crashes a driver was turning left. 6 of 8 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them. 50% happened after dark.
- → Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
- → Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
5. 4th Ave & S San Mateo Dr
5 crashes · 1 serious or fatalPeople hit walking in the road
3 of 5 people were in the road or on the shoulder when they were hit, not crossing.
- → Stay out of the traffic lane: check behind you before stepping out from a parked car, and where there's no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from the lane as you can.
6. 28th Av & S El Camino Real
6 crashesDrivers turning left into people crossing
In 2 of 6 crashes a driver was turning left. 4 of 6 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them.
- → Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
7. W Hillsdale Bl & Edison St
6 crashesDrivers turning left into people crossing
In 5 of 6 crashes a driver was turning left. 6 of 6 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them.
- → Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
8. S El Camino Real & 42 Avenue
4 crashes · 1 serious or fatalDrivers turning right into people crossing
In 2 of 4 crashes a driver was turning right. 3 of 4 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them.
- → Watch for drivers turning right, including on a red light. They look left for traffic and often miss people on their right, so make eye contact before you step out.
9. Tilton Av & N Claremont St
4 crashes · 1 serious or fatalPeople hit crossing mid-block
2 of 4 people were crossing away from a crosswalk. 75% happened after dark.
- → Cross at the nearest signal or crosswalk here, even if it's out of your way. Drivers don't expect people mid-block.
- → Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
10. S El Camino Real & 17th Ave
4 crashes · 1 serious or fatalA mix of crash types
Of 4 people hit here, 3 were in a crosswalk at the intersection. 50% happened after dark.
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Cross with the signal, and check for turning drivers before you step out.
- → Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
Pedestrian crashes in San Mateo by year
| Year | Crashes | Serious/fatal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 40 | 6 | |
| 2024 | 40 | 4 | |
| 2025 | 42 | 6 |
Common questions about San Mateo
- Where do the most pedestrian crashes happen in San Mateo?
- The worst spot is S El Camino Real & 5th Ave, with 10 reported pedestrian crashes from 2021–2025, 1 of them serious or fatal. Next are Hillsdale Bv & S El Camino Real (7) and E 4th Av & B St (10).
- How many pedestrians were killed in San Mateo?
- 2 crashes killed someone in 148 reported pedestrian crashes in San Mateo from 2021–2025, and 17 left someone seriously hurt or killed.
- How do pedestrians usually get hit in San Mateo?
- 53% involved a driver turning, 39% turning left. 64% of the people hit were in a crosswalk at an intersection. 13% were crossing away from a crosswalk. 27% happened after dark.
- How many pedestrian crashes happen in San Mateo each year?
- Reported pedestrian crashes with map locations: 2021: 11, 2022: 15, 2023: 40, 2024: 40, 2025: 42. The latest year can rise as late reports come in.
- Where does this data come from?
- Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.
Nearby cities
Source: California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), 2021–2025. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, and many city police reports have none, so these numbers are lower than the real total. Crashes on freeways are left out. Busy streets show more crashes partly because more people use them. Data last rebuilt 2026-09-23. How the data works.