Fewer Fatalities, More Injuries: The State of Bakersfield’s Road Safety With Crash Statistics

Bakersfield made strides in reducing fatal crashes in 2024, including by DUI drivers, but a sharp rise in injury-related collisions reveals that the city’s roads remain a dangerous place for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Fatal crashes involving impaired drivers dropped by an impressive 58%, while non-DUI-related fatal accidents decreased by 17%, Assistant Chief Brent Stratton of the Bakersfield Police Department shared during a recent City Council meeting. However, injury crashes increased during the same period, signaling that while fewer accidents are deadly, many still result in serious harm.

Bakersfield saw 44 total fatal collisions in 2024, down from 53 in 2023 and 69 in 2022, Stratton shared. Of the 44 fatal collisions, five involved a bicycle, 17 involved a pedestrian and 22 involved a vehicle. Other statistics shared:

• 39% of fatal collisions occurred between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., with most collisions happening on Saturdays.
• In 2024, there were 1,813 total non-fatal collisions, up from 1,784 in 2023 and 1,695 in 2022.
• The vast majority of the 2024 non-fatal collisions — 1,572 — involved vehicles, while 105 involved bikes and 136 involved pedestrians.

For a city that has consistently ranked among the most dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, these mixed results underscore the need for continued efforts to improve road safety. This data aligns with broader trends highlighted in previous reports, and in this blog.

But several factors likely contributed to the reduction in fatal accidents:

1. Enhanced Traffic Enforcement: Bakersfield Police have increased their focus on traffic enforcement by expanding their motorcycle unit and dedicating officers to traffic patrols for 40 hours weekly. Bakersfield now has 16 motorcycle units and is increasing the use of cameras at traffic signals.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts like Vision Zero, Blue Zones Project campaigns and local safety initiatives have likely played a role in promoting safer driving behaviors.
3. Improved Infrastructure: Investments in safer road designs, such as protected bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, have helped reduce high-risk scenarios.

Despite fewer fatalities, injury crashes are on the rise. This trend could be attributed to several factors including the proliferation of smartphones continues to contribute to inattentive driving, more vehicles on the road mean more opportunities for collisions, and larger, heavier cars potentially leading to more severe injuries even when fatalities are avoided.

Bakersfield has long struggled with dangerous roads. The city ranks among the worst in the nation for pedestrian safety. And alcohol-related crashes remain a significant issue — Bakersfield has one of the highest rates of DUI-related crashes in the United States.

To address these ongoing challenges, Bakersfield must continue to adopt a multifaceted approach that combines enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements:

1. Strengthen Traffic Enforcement: Bakersfield Police Department’s expanded motorcycle unit is a step in the right direction. However, additional measures like automated speed cameras and stricter penalties for distracted driving could further deter dangerous behaviors.

2. Improve Road Design: Investing in safer infrastructure is critical. Proven strategies include installing more roundabouts to reduce high-speed collisions, expanding protected bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, and improving lighting at intersections and crosswalks to enhance visibility at night.

3. Educate Drivers and Pedestrians: Public awareness campaigns should emphasize safe driving practices and pedestrian safety tips. Examples include encouraging drivers to slow down in high-foot-traffic areas, and educating pedestrians about using crosswalks and avoiding distractions while walking near busy roads.

4. Address Vehicle Safety Trends: Automakers must prioritize designs that protect not only vehicle occupants but also pedestrians and cyclists. Advocacy for stricter crash-testing standards and lighter vehicle designs could help mitigate risks.

“While it’s encouraging to see fewer fatal crashes in Bakersfield, rising injury collisions remind us that our work is far from over,” said Matt Clark, Matt Clark, managing partner at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Safer roads require collaboration between law enforcement, city planners, and community members. Together, we can make Bakersfield’s streets safer for everyone.”

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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 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.