Bakersfield, CA (May 14, 2026) – A 54-year-old man was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Snow Road in northwest Bakersfield on Thursday night.
The crash happened on May 14, at approximately 8:22 p.m., on Snow Road just west of Quail Creek Road. A driver traveling westbound in a Chevrolet struck the pedestrian after the man entered the road outside of a marked crosswalk.
The victim was identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as Sibichan Varghese, 54, of Stevenson Ranch. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No further details about the driver or the vehicle have been released, but the incident remains under review, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Sibichan Varghese during this difficult time.
What Are the Risks of Crossing Outside a Marked Crosswalk in California?
In California, pedestrians who cross a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk are required by law to yield the right of way to vehicles. Crossing mid-block or at undesignated points on busy roads like those in northwest Bakersfield puts pedestrians in positions where drivers have little time to react, especially after dark. Without the visual cues of a crosswalk or pedestrian signal, drivers may not anticipate someone stepping into the road.
Evening and nighttime hours significantly increase the danger for pedestrians on California roads. Reduced lighting makes it harder for drivers to spot someone on foot, and it can be equally difficult for pedestrians to judge vehicle speed and distance in low-light conditions. California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities each year, with a significant portion of those deaths occurring outside of marked crossings.
