Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Bakersfield, CA recorded 296 traffic deaths in 280 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#14 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Bakersfield, California?
Bakersfield has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 280 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 296 people — 14.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Bakersfield ranks #14 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Bakersfield's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 48% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Bakersfield fell 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Bakersfield’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 280 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Bakersfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 64 | 22.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 72 | 25.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 135 | 48.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 187 | 66.8% | 49.8% |
Bakersfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Bakersfield, California from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2022 | 69 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2020 | 53 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Bakersfield, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Bakersfield recorded 280 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 296 traffic deaths — an average of 59.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Bakersfield?
Of Bakersfield's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 48% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Bakersfield each year?
An average of 59.2 people per year died in car accidents in Bakersfield across 2020–2024 (296 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Bakersfield more dangerous than in other California cities?
Bakersfield ranks #14 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.