A new report identifies several intersections in Central California, including those in Bakersfield, as particularly dangerous for drivers. The findings come from an analysis conducted by a Los Angeles-based attorney group, Pacific Attorney Group.
Central California Intersections Identified as High-Risk
The report highlights the increased risk associated with intersections in a region with a population exceeding two and a half million people and heavy traffic on major routes like Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 99. This combination of population density and road usage, according to the report, creates conditions where crashes are more likely to occur.
Over a nearly five-year span, Bakersfield reported 2,918 intersection crashes. These crashes resulted in 175 fatalities, 593 serious injuries, and 2,061 minor injuries. Rosamond Boulevard and B Street, and Union Avenue and California Avenue, were identified as tying for the most dangerous intersections within Kern County.
The analysis also examined crash data from 2011 through 2021, revealing that the intersection of Ming Avenue and New Stine Road experienced approximately 40 crashes during that decade. Other intersections of concern include Gosford Road and Ming Avenue, with roughly 37 crashes, and Real Road and Wilson Road, with about 35 crashes.
The report also flagged dangerous intersections in Fresno, specifically Central Avenue and Chestnut Avenue, and Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue. Fresno’s overall intersection crash rate for serious injuries and fatalities is reported to be slightly higher than the average for cities across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were included in the report?
The report examined areas of Fresno, Stockton, Modesto, and Bakersfield.
How many crashes were reported in Bakersfield over the five-year period?
Bakersfield reported 2,918 intersection crashes over a nearly five-year span.
What highways contribute to the high number of crashes?
Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 99 all contribute to the high volume of traffic and, the increased risk of crashes in the Central California area.
As communities continue to grow and traffic volume increases, will local authorities prioritize improvements to these identified intersections to mitigate risk and enhance public safety?
