Defensive-driving needed

Jon, and city of San Mateo drivers, I pledge to continue to be resolute and advocate for improved traffic safety — especially in my North Central San Mateo neighborhood’s streets.

The latest alarming example of the city not inspecting and promptly following up on contractors’ errant work on repaving street improvements is at the intersection of North Delaware Street with East Santa Inez Avenue, where there has been no follow-up painting of the words “Stop” on the new paving at this key North Central four-way stop.

Coupled with this, the tree branches always blocking the stop sign on the pole at the northwest corner of this four-way intersection — a pole sign intended to warn southbound drivers on Delaware of the need to slow down and stop for cross-traffic.

Residents should not have to bring these unsafe public right-of-ways to the attention of either the Parks and Recreation Department or the San Mateo Public Works Department.

It is the number one responsibility of the city to protect the public’s health and safety.

In the absence of San Mateo’s staff being resolute in implementing consistent quality control inspection procedures, let’s all be committed to protecting ourselves and our passengers when driving in 2024.

Doug Handerson

San Mateo