New DUI crash numbers shine strong light on Kerns sober reality [Video]

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Alcohol-related traffic accidents are nothing new to Kern County.

In fact, there was a crash just this weekend at the intersection of Panama Lane and Buena Vista Road, in which the driver allegedly was intoxicated. New numbers from the California Highway Patrol reveal just how many DUI crashes are on our local roads. Over five years, from 2019 to so far in 2024, there have been nearly 6,000 DUI crashes in Kern County.

More concerning is that CHP says that number is pretty normal. Of those near 6,000 crashes, 227 were fatal, leading to the death of 263 individuals. 2,344 of those crashes led to injuries, which left a total of 3,538 victims injured.

In 3,358 of the crashes, only property — vehicles — were damaged. Keep in mind, these numbers will only go up as the year progresses.

So far in 2024, there have been nearly 500 DUI crashes, 10 fatalities and 267 injuries. …