Bakersfield, CA (May 14, 2026) – A 54-year-old man died after being hit by a vehicle on Snow Road in northwest Bakersfield Thursday night. The fatal crash occurred around 8:22 p.m. on May 14. on Snow Road, just west of Quail Creek Road. A westbound Chevrolet driver hit a pedestrian who had stepped into the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 54-year-old Sibichan Varghese of Stevenson Ranch. He was declared dead at the location. No additional information on the driver or vehicle has been made public. The matter is still under investigation, and further updates will be provided as they emerge. Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and loved ones of Sibichan Varghese at this difficult time.
What Are the Risks of Crossing Outside a Marked Crosswalk in California? In California, the law requires pedestrians crossing a road outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles. Crossing busy streets like those in northwest Bakersfield at mid-block or unmarked locations leaves pedestrians exposed in areas where drivers have very little time to respond, particularly after nightfall. In the absence of visual indicators like crosswalks or pedestrian signals, drivers are less likely to expect someone entering the roadway. The risk to pedestrians on California roads rises sharply during evening and nighttime hours.
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Note: We provide this information as a public resource to help raise awareness and support those who may be affected by similar incidents. Our intent is to honor the victims of accidents and to provide information that may help others avoid similar tragedies in the future. The photos used in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
