Cruz was reportedly walking on Stine Road near Summer Tree Lane when he was struck at around 4:20 p.m. on October 30
Bakersfield, CA – Authorities have released the identity of a pedestrian who was hit and killed by a vehicle in October in Bakersfield.
According to the Kern County Coroner's Office, the victim was 61-year-old Jacinto Pineda Cruz, of Bakersfield.
Cruz was reportedly walking on Stine Road near Summer Tree Lane when he was struck at around 4:20 p.m. on October 30.
The Bakersfield Police Department reported that Cruz may have entered the crosswalk without checking on oncoming traffic.
Cruz was rushed to Kern Medical, where he was later pronounced deceased. The driver had significant facial injuries and was also hospitalized.
The involved vehicle had major damage following the accident.
Bakersfield police reported that speed and impairment were not believed to have played a role in the incident. An investigation into the collision is ongoing.
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%. 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.