Car crash statistics in Bakersfield, CA

We don't rate cities as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 16,094 crashes were reported in Bakersfield from 2021–2025, 7,103 with an injury and 278 with a death. 44% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 44% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 44% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 44% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 31% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 15% were on a freeway.

Set against all reported crashes in California, 2021–2025. Without traffic counts these can't say how risky a street is.

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 16,094 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change22% · 3,509
• Unsafe speed20% · 3,252
• Driving under the influence15% · 2,403
• Running a red light or stop sign12% · 1,990
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn8% · 1,258

By type of collision: rear end 27%, broadside 26%, side swipe 18%, hit object 18%.

The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file months late.

• 795 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 448 crashes (3%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 422 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Bakersfield each year?

Reported crashes in Bakersfield: 2021: 3,612, 2022: 3,281, 2023: 3,344, 2024: 2,989, 2025: 2,868. The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file their reports months late.

What time do most crashes happen in Bakersfield?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Bakersfield is 5 p.m.. 31% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Bakersfield?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 16,094 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 22%, unsafe speed 20%, driving under the influence 15%, running a red light or stop sign 12%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 8%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Bakersfield?

278 crashes killed someone in 16,094 reported crashes in Bakersfield from 2021–2025, and 7,103 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Bakersfield involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

795 involved a pedestrian (5%), 448 involved a bicyclist (3%), 422 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 16,094 reported crashes from 2021–2025.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov. Every reported crash is counted, whatever the vehicles, and no locations are used.