Investigators said the driver and four occupants were traveling in a Honda Civic when the vehicle struck a curb, prompting the driver to pull onto the westbound shoulder.
Bakersfield, CA. – A driver was killed Monday afternoon after being struck by a semi-truck after checking a tire along Highway 166 near Soda Lake Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 4:19 p.m. on westbound Highway 166.
Investigators said the driver and four occupants were traveling in a Honda Civic when the vehicle struck a curb, prompting the driver to pull onto the westbound shoulder.
CHP officials reported that the Honda was stopped partially in the westbound lane as the driver exited the vehicle to inspect a tire on the right side. As the driver attempted to re-enter the car, they were struck by a passing semi-truck.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining occupants of the Honda were not injured.
Authorities stated that alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the CHP.
California consistently ranks as one of the states with the highest number of fatal commercial truck accidents, largely due to its extensive highway network, major port cities, and high freight volume. In 2023, the state had the second-highest number of truck accident fatalities in the U.S. with 392 deaths, trailing only Texas. Overall, preliminary data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for 2024 (as of May) reported 321 deaths and 5,097 nonfatal injuries across 12,243 large truck crashes in the state. Historical data shows a concerning trend, with fatal truck accidents rising by 49% in the decade leading up to 2022. In 2022 alone, 436 fatal truck crashes were reported. The majority of serious injuries and fatalities involve occupants of passenger vehicles, who are significantly more vulnerable due to the immense weight difference between the vehicles. For instance, in 2022, car occupants accounted for 33% of all traffic fatalities in California, while large truck occupants accounted for only 1%. Common contributing factors to these incidents include driver error, mechanical failures, and heavily congested routes like I-5, I-10, and Highway 99. Speeding, distracted driving, and driver fatigue are frequently cited human factors.
Did You Lose Your Loved One in this Bakersfield Collision?
If you lost your family member in this tragic accident, you may have the right to seek to compensation for the wrongful death of your next of kin. Visit our Bakersfield personal injury lawyer page to learn more about your legal options.