SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — 2026 hasn't even come to a close, and this year has already surpassed the number of fatal crashes in Somerset County in 2025, said Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
McDonald and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay said the county has seen a significant increase in fatal crashes in recent months and is urging motorists to make safe driving a priority.
In 2025, Somerset County experienced 14 fatal motor vehicle crashes resulting in 14 deaths among drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
As of Aug. 31, 2026, the county had recorded 16 fatal motor vehicle crashes resulting in 16 deaths involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists, according to the prosecutor's office.
In August, an electric motorcyclist was killed following a crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township.
In June, a motorcyclist was killed following a crash on Route 22 East in the area of Bridge Street in Bridgewater.
The prosecutor's office said eight of the 2026 fatal crashes, or half, resulted in criminal charges against drivers because of risky behavior and poor choices behind the wheel.
Some of those crashes include the arrest of Siddartha Prasad Surapanani, 18, of Belle Mead. He was charged in July with second-degree vehicular homicide in connection with the fatal crash on Monday that claimed the life of a Bridgewater woman.
Additionally in June, Dylan A. Baez, 19, of Bridgewater, was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto in connection with a fatal head-on crash on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater Township.
"It is our goal to reverse this trend and reduce serious and fatal crashes," said McDonald.
McDonald is urging drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians to take responsibility for their actions when traveling on Somerset County roadways.
"It is the responsibility of all road users to obey all traffic laws and observe all traffic control devices. Safe driving is a choice that can save a life," said McDonald.
The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said it will highlight traffic laws and share safety tips each week on its social media pages. The goal is to raise awareness, encourage responsible driving and work to make Somerset County roads safer.
The office also shared several reminders for road users.
Drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits, stop for red and amber traffic signals, obey stop signs and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks as required by law.
Pedestrians are urged to cross only when and where permitted and not assume a driver can see them, especially after dark.
The statement also advises people to use a rideshare or designate a sober driver if they plan to consume alcohol or use recreational drugs.
It also warns against cellphone use while driving, saying users are 5.36 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Impairment from talking on a cellphone can be comparable to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent, and sending or reading a text can take a driver's eyes off the road for four to six seconds.
For more safe driving information, the prosecutor's office directed residents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov.
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