EDISON, Middlesex County, N.J., Oct. 15, 2026 — A volunteer fire chief died on Tuesday morning, October 13, after being struck by a vehicle while working along the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 10 in Edison, according to investigators. The driver fled the scene and was later identified by authorities.
Brian Flanagan, chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, was working for a traffic control company before dawn when a GMC SUV struck him, investigators said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified the driver as 40-year-old Anthony Bernardi of Edison. Authorities allege Bernardi was driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash and left Flanagan on the roadway before being located by investigators. Charges against Bernardi had not been detailed as of this report.
Flanagan's death prompted tributes from fellow firefighters, family and local law enforcement, who described him as a mentor, business owner and father of two. Colleagues said he had encouraged others, including his brother, to join the volunteer fire service. The investigation into the crash remains active.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
What the Numbers Show About Drunk-Driving Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2023. That figure works out to roughly one alcohol-related traffic death every 42 minutes across the country.
Many of these crashes involve a driver whose judgment and reaction time are already slowed before the first mistake happens, whether that's drifting out of a lane or failing to see a person working along the roadway. Workers stationed on highway shoulders, including tow operators, utility crews and traffic control personnel, face particular exposure because they have little space to react if a vehicle drifts toward them.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer to these incidents. When a driver leaves the scene, investigators must rely on surveillance footage, vehicle debris, and witness accounts to identify a suspect, which can delay both the response to victims and any subsequent criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do impaired-driving crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Alcohol and other impairing substances slow reaction time and reduce a driver's ability to judge speed and distance, so impaired drivers often fail to brake or swerve before a collision, resulting in higher-speed impacts.
Can drugs other than alcohol impair driving the same way?
Yes. Prescription medications, illegal drugs, and even some over-the-counter medicines can slow reflexes, impair judgment, or cause drowsiness, and they can be combined with alcohol to compound the effect.
What are warning signs of an impaired driver on the road?
Common signs include swerving between lanes, inconsistent speed, delayed braking, driving without headlights at night, and slow response to traffic signals.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Crash in Edison, NJ
If you witness or are involved in a hit-and-run, try to note the vehicle's color, make, and license plate number if it is safe to do so, and call 911 immediately. Stay with any injured person if possible and wait for emergency responders.
Anyone with injuries, even those that seem minor at first, should be evaluated by a medical professional, since some injuries from a vehicle strike are not immediately apparent. Cooperate with police by providing a full account of what you saw, and ask for a copy of the official report once it's filed. Local victim-assistance resources through the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office may also be available to those affected by this case.
