Elderly Person and Dog Struck and Killed by Vehicle on Howard Street In SoMa

A pedestrian and their dog were struck and killed by a vehicle on Howard Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 pm, and the elderly victim was transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the collision. A photo from the scene revealed personal items, such as a straw hat and shoe, lying near a crosswalk, indicating the tragic nature of the event. This marks the fourth pedestrian fatality in San Francisco so far this year, with many victims being elderly individuals. In mid-March, another elderly person was killed in a similar incident, raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the city.

The driver involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with police, who are actively seeking witnesses to the crash. In a related development, Waymo released data showing its robocars outperform human drivers in avoiding pedestrian and bicycle collisions, suggesting potential advancements in road safety technology. The ongoing incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures for vulnerable road users in urban areas.