San Francisco records more traffic deaths than homicides in 2024

SAN FRANCISCO - The city of San Francisco is reporting more traffic deaths than homicides in 2024 for the first time in recent history.

San Francisco recorded 41 traffic deaths  during the past 12 months – the highest number since 2007.

At the same time, there have been 34 homicides since the beginning of the year – the lowest number since 1960. 

Walk SF and other pedestrian safety groups say the rise in traffic fatalities is a sign the city has failed to make its streets safer, despite recent efforts.

One of the most tragic traffic deaths was that of an entire family killed in March in the city's West Portal neighborhood.

The father, Diego Cardoso de Oliveira and their toddler son, Joaquim, were killed when a white Mercedes SUV plowed into them at a bus stop near the intersection of Ulloa Street and Lenox Way. The mother, Matilde, died a day later. Their infant, 3-month-old Cauê, spent days in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. But he, too, ended up dying. 

Family members say the family of four was waiting for a bus on their way to the zoo.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office charged the 79-year-old driver with vehicular manslaughter. 

Mary Fong Lau pleaded not guilty this summer.