BAKERSFIELD, Kern County, Calif., Oct. 10, 2026 — A person riding a mobility scooter was hospitalized with moderate to major injuries after being struck by a vehicle late on Friday night, October 9, in south Bakersfield.
The crash was reported near South P Street and Brundage Lane around 10:20 p.m., the Bakersfield Police Department said. The driver reportedly left the scene, and the case was initially investigated as a hit-and-run.
A suspect was taken into custody about 30 minutes after the crash. The injured pedestrian was taken to a hospital; the extent of long-term injuries has not been released. Traffic in the area was affected while officers worked the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
A Common Misconception About Pedestrian Crashes
Many people assume pedestrian crashes are becoming a bigger problem every year, with no sign of improvement. The data tells a more mixed story. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023.
That drop does not mean pedestrian safety is solved. It does show that crash counts move year to year based on enforcement, road design, lighting, and driver behavior, not some fixed trend that only gets worse.
Mobility scooters and other slow-moving devices add a layer of risk beyond typical foot traffic. They move at lower speeds than a walking pedestrian expects drivers to react to, and they can be harder to spot at night, particularly at intersections with mixed turning movements like the one here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Reduced visibility and higher vehicle speeds after dark do raise the risk of pedestrian crashes, which is part of why many serious incidents are reported in the evening or overnight hours.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, call 911, stay where it's safe, and ask for medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Get the responding agency's report number and the names of any witnesses before leaving the scene.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In California, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but drivers and pedestrians both carry responsibility for watching for each other, especially at busy intersections.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road before turning, and avoiding distractions are basic habits that cut down on pedestrian crashes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Bakersfield, CA
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries from being struck by a vehicle don't show symptoms immediately.
Get contact information from any witnesses nearby, and if you're able, note details like the time, location, and direction of travel. File a report with local police if one hasn't already been started, and keep a copy for your records. Follow up with your own doctor in the days after the crash, even if you were treated at the scene or released from the hospital quickly.
