According to the investigators, an adult male was walking in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 when he was hit by a white Mercedes SUV traveling in the No.3 lane. It’s unclear why the pedestrian was in the traffic lanes
Bakersfield, CA.- A vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on Highway 99 in Bakersfield on Thursday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol Bakersfield Office.
The accident was reported at around 6:25 p.m. December 18, on the highway at the intersection of White Lane.
According to the investigators, an adult male was walking in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 when he was hit by a white Mercedes SUV traveling in the No.3 lane. It’s unclear why the pedestrian was in the traffic lanes.
The pedestrian was declared deceased at the site of the collision. Authorities have not released the identity of the man killed.
The driver remained at the scene of the accident and cooperated with the investigators.
Alcohol and drugs were not believed to have played a role in the incident, according to the CHP. The cause of the collision is under investigation.
Bakersfield has made strides in reducing fatal crashes, but continues to face challenges with high rates of pedestrian and injury-related collisions. The city has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in California and ranks high nationally for pedestrian and DUI-related incidents. In 2024, Bakersfield reported 44 total fatal collisions, a decrease from 53 in 2023 and 69 in 2022, with fatal crashes involving impaired drivers dropping by 58%. Â However, non-fatal injury crashes increased in the same 2024 period, signaling a persistent road safety issue. Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern, with Kern County reporting 55 pedestrian deaths in 2024, the fourth consecutive year surpassing 50 fatalities. The most common contributing factors to accidents in Bakersfield include impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and hazardous intersections and roadways such as Highways 99 and 178. Specific intersections like Ming Avenue and New Stine Road have high accident rates, and overall, Kern County’s intersection crash rate is 32.41% higher than the average across all California counties. While local authorities and city initiatives like the Safe Streets program are working to implement safety measures, data from recent years highlights the ongoing need for improved road safety for all users.
Did You Lose Your Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you lost a family member in this Bakersfield pedestrian crash, you may have legal rights to claim compensation. You can learn more about your legal options by visiting our Bakersfield car accident lawyer page.