BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It was a deadly day on Kern County roads Friday, four people have lost their lives in three separate crashes, according to officials.
AAA officials are predicting that more than 115 million Americans will travel this holiday season. They said most people will be leaving starting on Saturday and the influx will continue through Jan. 1.
Following the deadly crashes Friday morning, California Highway Patrol is reminding everyone to stay safe.
CHP said a man who was driving toward Lake Isabella veered off the roadway, hit a cement wall and traveled off the embankment.
Kern County Search and Rescue crews were unable to respond due to the darkness but they eventually located the man's body in the car. All lanes of 178 were shut down until 11 a.m. while crews cleared the scene.
Just before 7 a.m. Friday, two vehicles also crashed in the area of South Union and Bear Mountain Boulevard.
CHP said a truck was going the wrong way when it hit the other car. Both drivers were killed and a passenger in the truck was hospitalized with major injuries.
Around the same time, at about 6:15 a.m., another crash unfolded just off Highway 46, between Wasco and Lost Hills. This crash also left one person dead.
CHP said two vehicles collided in the area of Gun Club Road and Mccombs Road. It's unknown what caused that crash.
Officils said this busy morning on the road should act as a reminder for travelers heading into the holiday weekend.
"Slow down, take your time, make sure you wear your seat belt. Don't drink and drive and just make sure you are paying attention to your driving," CHP Sergeant, Cecil McKinty said.
There is still no word on if drugs or alcohol were factors in any of these crashes.
