A Bakersfield woman, 23, was identified by the Kern County coroner’s office after dying in a McFarland collision on September 10th.
At 5:16 AM Sunday, Andrea Marie Fanning was involved in a truck accident on Highway 99, south of Sherwood Avenue. She ultimately died at the scene after being struck by a truck, according to the coroner.
In a report by KGET, Fanning was the driver of a 2014 Chevrolet when she was hit. Fanning’s vehicle came to a full stop in the second lane of Highway 99 with her vehicle lights turned off. Moments later, a 43-year-old woman driving a 2019 GMC around 65-70 miles per hour rear-ended the vehicle. The impact unfortunately caused both vehicles to veer off the roadway and onto the shoulder.
“Truck accidents are extremely dangerous and can leave any driver severely injured in their aftermath,” said Gerald Singleton, personal injury attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “Several people and vehicles were involved in this incident that should have never taken place, my thoughts are with the victims and loved ones of the deceased.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Bakersfield personal injury or wrongful death lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
Fatal Bakersfield Truck Accidents
Bakersfield, California, often associated with its picturesque landscapes and agricultural heritage, has lately experienced a deeply concerning trend – a rise in fatal truck accidents. These tragic incidents not only result in devastating loss of life but also have far-reaching consequences for the community and road safety.
Bakersfield has witnessed a disturbing surge in fatal truck accidents over recent years. These accidents, involving large commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, and even smaller trucks, have claimed lives, leaving families and communities in mourning. The increasing frequency of these incidents underscores the urgent need to address road safety concerns within the city.
Several factors contribute to the growing number of fatal truck accidents in Bakersfield:
- Distracted Driving: The use of smartphones, GPS devices, and other distractions by truck drivers can divert their attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road and tight schedules can lead to driver fatigue, impairing a truck driver’s ability to make safe decisions.
- Inadequate Training: Some truck drivers may not receive sufficient training or updates on safety procedures, contributing to dangerous driving habits.
- Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained trucks are at a higher risk of mechanical failures, which can lead to accidents.
- Traffic Congestion: Bakersfield’s roadways can become congested, particularly around major highways, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving trucks.
The consequences of fatal truck accidents in Bakersfield are heart-wrenching and profound:
- Loss of Life: Families are left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones due to these accidents.
- Emotional Trauma: Survivors of truck accidents and witnesses often suffer from severe emotional and psychological trauma.
- Financial Strain: The costs associated with medical bills, funeral expenses, and legal proceedings can be overwhelming for the families of victims.
- Economic Impacts: Beyond the personal toll, fatal truck accidents can have economic ramifications, impacting productivity and insurance premiums.
Addressing the rising toll of fatal truck accidents in Bakersfield requires a multifaceted approach:
- Stricter Regulation: Implement and enforce stringent regulations governing truck safety, driver hours of service, and load limits to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Driver Training: Ensure comprehensive and ongoing training for truck drivers, emphasizing safe driving practices and defensive driving.
- Regular Maintenance: Enforce regular maintenance checks for trucks to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
- Advanced Safety Technology: Promote the use of advanced safety technologies in trucks, such as collision avoidance systems and driver monitoring systems.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate both truck drivers and the public about the importance of sharing the road safely.
- Collaboration with Trucking Companies: Encourage open communication and collaboration between trucking companies and city authorities to address safety concerns effectively.
The rising toll of fatal truck accidents in Bakersfield is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. By addressing the contributing factors and implementing preventative measures, the city can work towards making its roadways safer for all residents and travelers. Collaboration between city officials, law enforcement agencies, trucking companies, and the community is essential to curbing the escalating toll of fatal truck accidents and ensuring that Bakersfield remains a safe and thriving community. It is time to prioritize road safety and prevent further tragedies on Bakersfield’s streets.
“My hope is that anyone involved in this collision seeks out the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury or wrongful death attorney as truck accidents can be complex matters,” added Mr. Singleton. “No one should ever feel the need or be left to face such a catastrophic occurrence on their own.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Bakersfield personal injury or wrongful death lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
