SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. — Somerset County has seen a significant increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes in recent months, prompting authorities to urge motorists and other road users to make safety a priority.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald and Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay said the county recorded 14 fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2025, resulting in 14 deaths involving drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
As of Aug. 31, Somerset County had already surpassed that total for 2026, recording 16 fatal crashes that resulted in 16 deaths involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
According to the prosecutor’s office, eight of the 16 fatal crashes this year resulted in criminal charges against drivers because of risky behavior and poor choices behind the wheel.
Prosecutor McDonald is urging drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians to take responsibility for their actions, follow traffic laws and make safety their highest priority when traveling on Somerset County roads.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said it will highlight traffic laws and share safety tips each week on its social media pages in an effort to raise awareness and reduce serious and fatal crashes.
The prosecutor’s office offered several safety reminders:
- Obey posted speed limits because higher speeds increase stopping distances and provide less time to react to hazards.
- Stop for red and amber traffic signals and obey stop signs.
- Drivers should watch for pedestrians and yield the right of way at crosswalks as required by law.
- Pedestrians should cross only when and where permitted and never assume a driver can see them, particularly after dark.
- Use a rideshare service or designate a sober driver when consuming alcohol or using recreational drugs.
- Put down cellphones and keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind focused on driving.
According to the prosecutor’s office, cellphone users are 5.36 times more likely to be involved in a crash, and impairment from talking on a cellphone can be comparable to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. Sending or reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for four to six seconds.
