Deadly Duo: Bakersfield’s Highways 178 and 99 Among California’s Most Perilous Roads

Bakersfield and Kern County are home to two of the state’s most hazardous roads, according to a study.

States Routes 178 and 99 tied for the ninth deadliest roads by number of fatalities in 2022 vs. 2018, according to a study by ConsumerAffairs. The highways experienced 13 fatalities, eight where speeding was a factor, and four where impaired driving was suspected.

• State Route 99: The high traffic volume combined with frequent lane changes and varying speed limits contribute to a significant number of accidents and fatalities on this 400-mile highway that runs through Bakersfield. Several studies have been administered along the highway and found an urgent need for safety improvements, particularly in the Bakersfield area, for infrastructure and traffic safety measures.
• State Route 178: This highway has a history of high accident rates. A 1962 article in the Los Angeles Times stated that Highway 178 had the highest fatality rate in California, nearly 37% higher than the state average. The road’s design and geography contribute to its danger, which includes dangerous curves, especially in the section known by locals as “the canyon.” It’s characterized as an intimidating road with a steep rocky canyon wall on one side and the Kern River on the other. Over the years, several improvements have been made to eliminate or improve curves and enhance sight lines. Still, the road continues to rank among the deadliest in California.

Several other factors that contribute to the high accident rates on these roads. Both State Route 99 and 178 experience heavy traffic, including a large number of commercial trucks, which increases the risk of accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are significant issues on these routes as well.

Statewide, deaths from car crashes rose 17% in 2022 from pre-pandemic levels in 2018, even as the state’s population declined. Speeding and reckless driving have continued post-pandemic. Fatalities still rank above pre-pandemic levels, according to 2023 statistics, with 10.3 per 100,000 people in 2023 versus 9.6 per 100,000 people in 2018.

Among the studies other findings:

• October and August were nearly tied for the deadliest months for driving in California, registering 407 and 406 deaths, respectively.
• Speeding was involved in around 31% of deadly car crashes in California, up from 26% in 2018 and a result, in part, of more people driving recklessly following the pandemic.
• Drinking (DUI) was involved in 13% of fatal car crashes in California.
• Together, Saturday and Sunday accounted for nearly 36% of car crash deaths.

Interstate-15 in San Bernardino County ranked No. 1; Interstate-10 in Riverside County ranked No. 2; and Interstate 5 through San Diego County ranked No. 3.

For car crash fatalities per 100,000 people in California’s 10 most populous cities — Bakersfield ranked No. 2 behind Sacramento only — with 13.3 fatalities in 2022.

ConsumerAffairs conducted an analysis of California’s road safety using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, focusing on fatal car accidents in the state between 2018 and 2022, and examining data from all 58 California counties.

California’s government “Go Safely” traffic safety experts recommend these key actions for safer driving:

• Observe posted speed limits.
• Reduce speed when approaching intersections.
• Be vigilant for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossing points. Be ready to stop and yield to crossing pedestrians.
• Exercise additional caution during challenging driving conditions (nighttime, foggy, or wet weather).
• Show consideration for cyclists and maintain a safe distance when overtaking. Comply with California law by changing lanes, when possible, to pass cyclists. If unable to pass a cyclist safely, remain patient until it’s secure to do so.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Establish a plan before consuming alcohol or engaging in activities that could impair driving ability. This includes the use of cannabis, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs. Educate yourself on how various substances may affect you. Choose a non-impaired driver, use ride-sharing services, or opt for public transportation.
• Mute your mobile device and eliminate distractions. Activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature. For iPhone users, enable the “Driving Focus” setting to automatically silence your phone while driving and send automated responses to incoming communications.

“The fatality rates on Highways 178 and 99 in Bakersfield are not just statistics – they represent lives lost and families shattered. It’s imperative that we take immediate and comprehensive action to improve road safety,” said Matt Clark, attorney and managing partner at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “From infrastructure upgrades to enhanced driver education and stricter enforcement, we must employ every tool at our disposal to make these deadly roads safer for all who travel them.”

———

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 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.