Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 4, 2026) – A tragic wrong-way collision on the New Jersey Turnpike early on Saturday morning claimed the life of 44-year-old Bruce Canfield of Pottstown, PA, and left another man seriously injured. The crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. in Ridgefield Park, Bergen County, near milepost 117.8.
According to New Jersey State Police, Canfield was driving a pickup truck southbound in the Turnpike’s northbound lanes when his vehicle collided head-on with a sedan driven by a 39-year-old man from Poughkeepsie, NY. The impact forced Canfield’s truck into a concrete barrier. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the sedan sustained serious injuries and was transported for medical care. As of Saturday, no updates on his condition or details about his treatment had been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the wrong-way entry, and it remains unclear why Canfield was traveling in the wrong direction.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Bruce Canfield. We also wish strength and healing to the injured man as he recovers.
Wrong-Way Collisions in New Jersey
Crashes involving wrong-way drivers are among the most dangerous and deadly on New Jersey’s highways. Incidents like the one that occurred on the NJ Turnpike in Ridgefield Park often result in severe outcomes due to the high speeds and lack of time for either driver to react. Early-morning hours, such as the 3:00 a.m. timeframe in this case, are particularly high-risk periods when visibility is low, and driver fatigue or impairment may be more likely.
The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the state, and while it is engineered with safety in mind, even a single wrong-way driver can cause devastating results. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of driver awareness, proper signage, and clear roadway markings to prevent these tragedies.
For the families of those killed or injured in head-on crashes, the aftermath is overwhelming. Dealing with sudden loss or long-term recovery requires not only emotional support but also access to legal, financial, and medical resources. At Local Accident Reports, we work to ensure that victims and their families are connected to the help they need during these deeply difficult times.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious collision, Local Accident Reports can provide the support and guidance needed to move forward. Reach out today to understand your options and begin the path to healing.
