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Bakersfield’s DUI Crisis: New Study Shows City Ranks Among the Worst in the Nation for Impaired Driving Rates

August 13, 2025 | Article by Chain | Cohn | Clark staff

Bakersfield’s DUI Crisis: New Study Shows City Ranks Among the Worst in the Nation for Impaired Driving Rates

Bakersfield has earned a troubling distinction, ranking among the worst in the nation for DUI rates, according to a new study.

Bakersfield ranked eighth in the United States for impaired driving with a local rate of 2.78 DUI offenses per 1,000 drivers, according to the latest LendingTree study. In fact, six of the top 10 U.S. cities for DUI rates are in California, making impaired driving a statewide emergency. San Jose (2), Sacramento (3), Fresno (3), and Long Beach (7) were also included in the Top 10.

Despite intense efforts, including increased DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, and public education campaigns, local agencies agree that these numbers reflect a persistent and dangerous threat on Bakersfield’s roads.

Among other findings in the LendingTree study:

  • Repeat Offenders: One in five DUI arrests in Bakersfield involve repeat offenders. In 2024, the Bakersfield Police Department made 764 DUI-related arrests, with 20% of offenders having prior convictions.
  • Generational Risk: Gen Z drivers are most likely to receive DUIs, at 2.62 incidents per 1,000, followed by millennials at 2.40.
  • Alcohol and Drugs: Kern County law enforcement is seeing more DUIs involving both alcohol and drugs, often with extremely high blood alcohol concentrations well above the legal limit.

Omaha, Nebraska, San Jose and Sacramento drivers have the highest DUI rates among the 50 largest U.S. cities. These cities see 4.48, 3.68 and 3.55 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, respectively, according to the study. Additionally, BMW drivers have the highest DUI rate among the car brands analyzed. Across the 50 largest cities, this brand sees 3.09 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, with the next highest being Ram (3.00) and Acura (2.69). Lastly, El Paso, Texas, had the highest percentage of fatal crashes involving a drunken driver in 2023 — 60.8% of deadly crashes in the city were attributed to drunken driving. Omaha (60.6%) and Portland, Ore. (54.7%), followed.

In just the first half of this year, from January through June, Bakersfield Police Department made 387 DUI arrests and investigated 112 DUI collisions with seven fatalities, according to statistics provided by the department. California Highway Patrol’s Bakersfield Division has made 1,322 arrests and investigated 265 DUI crashes with 36 DUI fatalities. Currently, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting more than 1,600 misdemeanor DUIs involving alcohol and more than 70 DUI felonies.

Besides the life-altering consequences of impaired driving, drivers can also see their annual auto insurance rates increase by an average of $2,449 after a DUI, over $200 a month, according to the study. Detroit has the highest increase among the largest cities by far, with rates rising an average of $12,627 annually after a DUI. North Carolina cities Charlotte ($6,057) and Raleigh ($5,187) follow. Bakersfield’s premiums increase $3,726 on average.

For the study, researchers analyzed tens of millions of 2024 QuoteWizard by LendingTree insurance quotes from the 50 largest U.S. cities to compare DUI rates by city, generation, and vehicle make. They also examined how a DUI affects the cost of a full-coverage policy, using a standard driver profile, based on publicly sourced insurer filings.

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As Kern County’s leading accident and injury law firm, Chain | Cohn | Clark has stepped well beyond courtroom representation to challenge DUI culture with leadership, advocacy, and support for local victims:

  • Demanding Stricter Laws: The firm have spearheaded a petition for more severe first-time DUI penalties, moving beyond fines to true deterrents like mandatory ignition interlock devices and longer sentencing.
  • Community Leadership: Chain | Cohn | Clark helps organize and serves as Presenting Sponsor for the annual Bakersfield Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash, raising over $700,000 for DUI prevention, education, and victim support.
  • Support for Victims: The firm provides critical legal guidance for those affected by DUI crashes, helping families seek justice and compensation.
  • Collaboration with MADD and Law Enforcement: Attorneys routinely join MADD and local police in awareness campaigns, and calls for legislative reform.

“Kern County deserves safer roads and a system that truly values justice and deterrence,” said Matt Clark, managing partner at attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Impaired driving is a crime that’s 100% preventable and needs to be dealt with a stricter punishment.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the car accident attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

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