The California Highway Patrol reported that a woman was lying in the roadway when she was hit by a 2010 Honda Civic that was being driven south on North Rancho Drive by a 23-year-old man
Arvin, CA – The pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle on North Rancho Drive south of Arvin early Monday morning has been identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
21-year-old Stefhanie Vargas, of Arvin, died following the incident that happened near Rancho Road at around 4:52 a.m. January 26.
The California Highway Patrol reported that a woman was lying in the roadway when she was hit by a 2010 Honda Civic that was being driven south on North Rancho Drive by a 23-year-old man.
Emergency personnel arrived shortly after and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. The Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Vargas.
The driver was at the scene when CHP officers arrived and was cooperative with the investigators.
Alcohol and drugs were not believed to have been factors for the driver, CHP reported. It’s unclear whether the pedestrian was under the influence.
The crash caused the closure of North Rancho Drive for over two hours as officials gathered more information at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the CHP Bakersfield Area Office.
The city of Bakersfield has made some progress in reducing the overall number of fatal collisions, which decreased to 44 in 2024 from 53 in 2023 and 69 in 2022. Fatal crashes involving impaired drivers also saw a significant drop of 58% in the same period. Despite this reduction in fatalities, the total number of injury-related collisions has risen, with 1,813 non-fatal crashes in 2024, up from 1,784 in 2023, indicating that while fewer accidents are deadly, many still result in serious harm. Â A major area of concern remains pedestrian and cyclist safety. Between 2018 and 2022, Bakersfield experienced 181 pedestrian fatalities and has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for pedestrians. In 2023, the city saw 70 bicycle crashes, a 40% increase from two years prior, making it a high-risk area for cyclists as well. Â Common factors contributing to accidents across all modes of transport include speeding, impaired driving (DUI), and distracted driving. Certain locations, such as Highways 99 and 178, and intersections like Ming Avenue and New Stine Road, are known hotspots for accidents.
Seek Legal Help from Pacific Attorney Group
Did you lose your loved one in this pedestrian accident? Our team of professional car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. Visit our Bakersfield car accident lawyer page to learn more about your legal options.