Why Are Bakersfield Accidents on the Rise?

Bakersfield and Kern County are experiencing a troubling surge in traffic accidents, with pedestrian fatalities reaching unprecedented levels. Recent data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to protect residents. Knowing the biggest threats and most dangerous roads can help you avoid a Bakersfield crash injury.

Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise

In 2024, Kern County reported 55 pedestrian fatalities, surpassing the previous year’s total of 54. This marks the fourth consecutive year with over 50 pedestrian deaths, a significant increase from the mid-30s reported in earlier years. Notably, 43 of these incidents occurred at night, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face after dark.

Bakersfield has been identified as the most dangerous city in California for pedestrians and ranks fourth nationwide. Between 2018 and 2022, the city experienced 181 pedestrian fatalities, a 19.9% increase compared to the previous five-year period. Areas such as downtown and east Bakersfield are particularly hazardous, with most accidents occurring between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Common Car Accident Causes in Bakersfield

Several factors contribute to the unfortunate rising trend of accidents:

Drunk and Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is still a significant problem in Kern County. From 2019 through mid-2024, nearly 6,000 DUI-related crashes were reported, resulting in 263 fatalities and over 3,500 injuries. In 2024 alone, there have been almost 500 DUI crashes, leading to 10 deaths and 267 injuries.

Hazardous Roadways and Intersections

Certain roads and intersections in Bakersfield are notably dangerous. Highways 178 and 99 have been identified among California’s most perilous roads, with 13 fatalities reported in 2022 alone. Speeding and impaired driving are significant factors in these accidents.

Within the city, intersections such as Ming Avenue and New Stine Road, Gosford Road and Ming Avenue, and 34th Street and Q Street have high accident rates. Highway 99, in particular, is prone to multi-car pileups, especially during rush hours, due to poor lighting and limited lanes.

Speeding

Speeding increases the likelihood of a crash and worsens its severity. Traveling above the speed limit increases stopping distance, reduces the time available to react to hazards, and impacts vehicle control on curves or in poor weather conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about one-third of all fatal crashes are due to speeding. California, with its long highways and impatient drivers, California consistently reports thousands of speed-related crashes annually.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving includes abrupt lane changes, yelling, honking, tailgating, and other risky behavior. Although California has specific laws to prevent tailgating, following  too closely is a common cause of rear-end crashes.

Improper lane changes—such as failing to signal, weaving between lanes, or cutting off other drivers—significantly increase the risk of sideswipe collisions and rear-end crashes. These maneuvers often occur without warning and don’t give other drivers time to react.

Distracted Driving

Distractions—such as texting, talking on phones, eating, adjusting the GPS, or even interacting with passengers—take a driver’s attention off the road. Despite laws banning handheld phone use, distracted driving remains a leading cause of injury and non-injury accidents across the state.

Poor Vehicle Design

Sometimes the way a car is built—from its visibility to how it reacts in a crash—can make it inherently more dangerous. Larger vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs with higher hood heights are 45% more likely to cause fatal pedestrian accidents compared to smaller cars. Trucks or SUVs with a higher center of gravity are more likely to tip in sharp turns or during high-speed crashes, causing rollovers and resulting in severe injuries or death.

Vehicle Defects

Common vehicle defects linked to accidents include brake failure, tire blowouts, steering or suspension failures, and electrical malfunction (such as faulty lights or sensors). A sudden inability to keep the vehicle stable makes it nearly impossible to avoid obstacles or maintain a lane. And if the vehicle is a truck, an accident can have a much greater impact.

Efforts to Improve Road Safety

Local authorities are aware of the dangers on Kern County roads. The Bakersfield Police Department reported a 53% reduction in pedestrian deaths in the city in 2023 compared to 2022, attributing this to increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

Additionally, initiatives like the Blue Zones Project aim to enhance pedestrian infrastructure by creating more walkable and bike-friendly environments. The California Highway Patrol has also received a $1.55 million grant to educate drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on road safety.

Let Our Bakersfield Injury Lawyers Help You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, reach out to our personal injury attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark for a no-obligation, free consultation today.