People who use Bakersfield’s sidewalks and crosswalks each day may already know how unsafe the city is for pedestrians. And thanks to a new study, Bakersfield’s inability to keep those on foot safe has received national attention.
Maison Law of Bakersfield wanted to find a way to get the attention of local motorists and transportation leaders. We want to make them aware of the toll their recklessness and inaction has taken on our community. We examined the annual traffic accident statistics for the city and created a visual reminder of why it’s time to address this major problem.
How Many Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Bakersfield?
Over a five-year period, Bakersfield has recorded an average of 140 serious pedestrian accidents a year. 2023 figures were, unfortunately, well above the average.
California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that there were 167 pedestrian accidents involving injuries in Bakersfield in 2023. That was a troubling return to pre-pandemic accident levels for the city. It was also a jump from 2022’s figures that showed 134 serious accidents on the streets of Bakersfield.
The busiest intersections in Bakersfield, like California Avenue and Union Avenue, carry plenty of danger for those on foot.
- In fact, California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) recorded 11 serious pedestrian accidents along Union Avenue in 2023. At least two of those incidents resulted in fatalities.
Drivers coming up to wide intersections like Ming Avenue and Stine Road may not have their eyes on the lanes, not to mention the crosswalks where defenseless pedestrians may be crossing. There are other parts of the city where crosswalks are few and far between, and the ones that are in place feature faded paint and a lack of automated walk signs.
- Bakersfield is the scene of around 22 tragic pedestrian deaths a year.
There were 19 fatalities recorded in 2023. That was down from an extreme 36 deadly incidents in 2022. It remains to be seen if 2024 will result in a drop in these heartbreaking figures.
Bakersfield’s National Reputation for Pedestrian Dangers
Bakersfield’s disturbing pedestrian collision numbers have been spotlighted by Smart Growth America’s “Dangerous by Design” 2024 report.
The study ranked Bakersfield fourth on a list of U.S. cities that had the worst pedestrian fatality rates when factoring in population. Our city saw almost 4 people per 100,000 residents die in pedestrian accidents over a five-year span. By comparison, Fresno saw a rate of 3.89 pedestrian fatalities per 100k, making it 7th on Smart Growth’s list. They were the only two California cities in the top ten.
- Overall, California ranked 8th on their list out of all 50 states for pedestrian collisions. SWITRS data shows that 974 California pedestrians lost their lives in car accident collisions in 2023. That was down from 2022 when 1,225 fatalities were documented.
Smart Growth America also noted a shocking jump in accident rates across the U.S. By their count, there’s been a 75% increase in pedestrian accidents in the country since 2010.
Bakersfield Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
If being placed in harm’s way by distracted and unfocused drivers wasn’t enough, pedestrians who are hit may also have to watch as the driver at-fault speeds away. Hit-and-run offenders flee the scene and leave victims in additional danger.
These thoughtless motorists leave behind victims who may be in the path of other unsuspecting drivers. Those hit while walking could be waiting longer for medical care until someone else notices the accident and calls 911. The act of a hit-and-run might also leave the victim and the victim’s family responsible for massive medical bills.
Bakersfield has a massive problem with hit-and-run drivers. It’s the same across California. TIMS documented at least 26 pedestrian accidents involving injury caused by Bakersfield hit-and-run drivers. involving felony hit-and-run charges in the county in 2023. A felony hit-and-run charge is applied when a victim is either seriously injured or is tragically killed.
How Many Drunk Driving Accidents Involve Pedestrians in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield recorded an average of around 17 drunk driving accidents involving injured pedestrians a year. It’s another risk for those on foot along streets, walking in parking lots, and crossing crosswalks.
Drivers barely show any caution in areas with high foot traffic. Consuming alcohol or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel just reduces the driver’s awareness that much more.
In 2023, Bakersfield saw at least 20 accidents involving drivers who were impaired by alcohol. The actions of intoxicated drivers are hard to predict. Pedestrians may not have time to notice there is something wrong with the person in the driver’s seat before a devastating impact occurs.
The graphic below shows the incidents caused by drunk drivers involving injuries to pedestrians in the most recent years. You’ll see that the most recent figures have consistently been higher than pre-pandemic levels (before 2020).
Hope for Bakersfield Pedestrians to Arrive Home Safely
After a brief look at the toll pedestrian accidents take on Bakersfield streets, we hope every driver will recommit to driving safely and showing caution to anyone on foot or on a bicycle. This is one of the few changes that will make a real difference when future accident numbers are finally tallied.
If you or a loved one become the victim of a driver’s carelessness, don’t wait to seek legal help. Take advantage of a free consultation with a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to find out what you should be demanding in recovery support. Maison Law works with accident victims and their families to make sure insurance companies provide them with everything they need to rebuild their health and their lives.
