BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A crosswalk used by students in east Bakersfield is drawing renewed attention after a fatal collision, another crash witnessed by Eyewitness News and reports of a crossing guard being struck at the same location.
The incidents have raised questions about safety at Columbus Street and Bucknell Street, where flashing pedestrian crossing lights are already in place.
For Highland High School student Christian Gomez, who regularly catches the bus in the area, concerns about drivers are nothing new.
“I mean, it’s almost every single day… people don’t follow the law, they just go speeding,” Gomez said.
Gomez said he and his friends have experienced close calls while using the crossing.
“I would say almost twice i’ve got hit. and then one of my friends… was really close to getting hit also,” he said.
The latest concerns follow a fatal crash on Thursday, Oct. 29. According to Bakersfield police, 73-year-old Alfred Steve Morones died after his vehicle collided with another vehicle at Columbus and Bucknell. Investigators said speed and suspected intoxication are believed to be factors.
Courtesy: RD on the Scene
When Eyewitness News returned to the intersection Friday, Oct. 30, another collision occurred while the crew was using the crosswalk. A vehicle stopped to allow pedestrians to cross after the crossing button was pushed, but another driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle before leaving the scene.
The two collisions happened just one day apart.
A neighbor also told Eyewitness News that a crossing guard was struck at the intersection on Sept. 1. Additional details about that reported incident have not yet been independently confirmed.
The crossing already has flashing pedestrian lights, which Gomez said he initially believed would help protect people walking through the area.
“I loved the idea. i was like, okay, that would make me be more safer… but i mean, ever since they put it up, we’ve had more accidents,” he said.
Gomez wants to see greater accountability for drivers using the road.
“We need to hold drivers more accountable,” he said.
Eyewitness News has contacted local agencies seeking information about previous collisions, any reported safety concerns and the history of pedestrian safety measures at the intersection.
Responses and additional details about the reported September incident were still pending.