San Francisco Records Third Pedestrian Fatality of 2025 at Dangerous Uncontrolled Intersection
A 77-year-old woman's death at an uncontrolled San Francisco intersection highlights ongoing pedestrian safety concerns and calls for city action to address dangerous road designs.
The recent death of a 77-year-old woman struck by a car at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Geary Boulevard marks San Francisco's third pedestrian fatality in 2025, raising urgent concerns about pedestrian safety and city infrastructure. This incident follows a similar tragedy in December 2020 when a 68-year-old man was killed at the same intersection, indicating a persistent pattern of danger at this location.
Jodie Medeiros, executive director of Walk San Francisco, expressed grief over the loss, stating, "We grieve the loss of life on our streets and are heartbroken for this woman's loved ones." The advocacy group has identified this intersection as inherently dangerous due to its design features. Both roads feature four travel lanes, and the intersection operates without traffic lights, stop signs, or proper pedestrian crossing signals, creating hazardous conditions for those on foot.
According to Walk San Francisco's analysis, pedestrians must cross a long distance at this location, while drivers often exceed the new 25 MPH speed limit in this quieter section of Geary Boulevard. The organization has issued a release urging the city to implement safety measures to better protect pedestrians. The absence of marked signage for safety or right-of-way guidance significantly increases the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
San Francisco recorded 24 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, underscoring the systemic nature of this safety issue. Legal experts from Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm have characterized the city's failure to install basic traffic guidance as negligent, noting that municipalities have a duty to ensure safe crossings on busy, wide streets. The firm's perspective highlights potential liability issues surrounding pedestrian safety infrastructure.
The continued pattern of fatalities at uncontrolled intersections raises questions about San Francisco's commitment to Vision Zero goals and pedestrian safety priorities. As the city grapples with these preventable tragedies, advocates and legal experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive traffic safety improvements to protect vulnerable road users.