Eight-year-old Xxavien Hernandez was having lunch with his father on East California Avenue and Haley Street before being suddenly struck by a pick-up truck, passing away from his injuries the following day. The intoxicated driver, who had been previously charged with prior DUIs, was allegedly found to have a blood alcohol level over four times the legal limit. Azmeret Mayall, a six-year-old girl, was killed in a suspected DUI crash in Southeast Bakersfield by a 20-year-old, one year younger than the legal drinking age. These are a few of the many preventable tragedies that have recently shaken the community.
With the busy holiday season in full swing, there is an emerging and concerning trend on Kern County roads: An alarming rise in drunk driving accidents and DUI cases. With an increase in misfortunes across Bakersfield during this supposedly merry time, parents, teachers, students, and residents alike are advocating for change and greater awareness this Christmas.
Jorge Barrientos, Marketing and Public Relations Director at Chain Cohn Clark, speaks on the severity of impaired driving. Barrientos explains, “Kern County ranks among the worst in the state for DUI crashes resulting in injuries, and ranks worst in the nation for DUI arrests. Currently, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting more than 1,600 misdemeanor DUIs involving alcohol and more than 70 DUI felonies.” These are highly troubling statistics; however, they don’t stop there. Barrientos continues, “Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving crashes in their lifetime…The average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before their first arrest…Every day, 37 people are killed in drunk driving crashes, or every 39 minutes, someone is killed.” These devastating facts are more than just numbers– They’re real people, real families, and real communities. With the recent surge in cases this year, Barrientos sadly observes, “[The accidents] are so tragic, and so preventable.”
Amber Morales, Program Coordinator for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Kern County, is not only a leader among schools and the community, but a personal victim of impaired driving. In 2018, Morales lost two of her children, as well as their father and his daughter, in a devastating DUI crash. After receiving care and support from the MADD program, Morales was inspired to join, writing, “I wanted to keep their memory alive and honor them by helping prevent the kind of pain we experience. That is what led me to…turn my loss into a mission to protect young people and our community.” Reflecting on the youth and risks, Morales explains how young audiences often fail to realize how crucial an issue this subject is, especially considering recent spikes, stating, “They don’t always understand what lifelong consequences look like…When I speak in schools and share my children’s story…It becomes personal. They can suddenly see the human side behind the statistics… [which] helps them make safer choices.” While this is a difficult and emotional line of work, Morales remains dedicated to spreading her cause. She ends on an inspiring note, emphasizing, “Turning something so painful into something that can save lives gives purpose to my grief. When I see even one student pause and rethink a decision, it reminds me that their lives — and the lives of their families — are worth every bit of strength it takes to keep doing this work.”
Leanna Hamm, a Ridgeview High School junior, shares her own experiences with drunk drivers and driving. Hamm admits, “It’s scary sometimes…seeing the news.” As a recently licensed driver herself, Hamm understands the importance of vigilance on the road. She questions, “I don’t understand why people drink and drive. There are so many other options…they just put everyone else at risk.” While Hamm continues to practice responsible driving habits, she still has lingering concerns about her day-to-day safety. Hamm finishes her statement by voicing, “It’s not hard to make smart decisions…especially with things like this.”
As incidents continue to be reported daily, it is more important now than ever to take a proactive role in preventing devastating losses. Morales shares a final message, encouraging Kern County, “One choice can change your entire life — or someone else’s. You don’t get a do-over. Plan ahead, speak up, and never be afraid to call for help. You may not realize it, but the decisions you make today protect tomorrow’s memories.”
