RIDGEWOOD, Bergen County, N.J., Oct. 6, 2026 — A ride-share driver was hospitalized on Sunday evening, October 4, after a head-on crash at the intersection of South Maple Avenue and Prospect Street in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The collision involved an SUV and a pickup truck, according to Ridgewood police.
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. The ride-share driver was taken to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood by a Ridgewood Fire Department EMS ambulance with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
A small dog traveling with the ride-share driver was unharmed and was later picked up from the scene by the driver's friend. There were no passengers in the vehicle at the time. The driver of the pickup truck was reportedly not injured.
Ridgewood police were assisted at the scene by the Glen Rock Police Department. Both vehicles were removed by a towing company. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Head-On Crashes
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 44 percent of fatally injured passenger-vehicle occupants in frontal impacts were belted in 2023. That figure reflects how often seat belts are in use even in the crashes that kill people, and it points to how much force a head-on impact can carry regardless of restraint use.
Head-on collisions differ from other crash types because the combined speed of the two vehicles determines the impact force. Two cars, each traveling 40 mph, that meet head-on produce a far harder hit than a single vehicle striking a stationary object at the same speed. That is part of why these crashes account for a share of roadway deaths that is out of proportion to how often they occur compared to rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Narrow roads, two-lane streets without a median, and intersections where turning vehicles cross opposing traffic are common settings for this kind of crash. Distraction, impairment, and misjudged turns are frequently cited factors, though the exact cause in any individual case depends on what investigators find at the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a head-on collision?
Head-on crashes often result from a vehicle drifting across a center line, a driver attempting a turn into oncoming traffic, or impaired or distracted driving. Road design and visibility can also play a role.
Why do head-on crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Because both vehicles are moving toward each other, the combined speed at impact is higher than in most other crash types, which increases the force transferred to occupants.
What should I do if I'm involved in a head-on crash?
Call 911, stay at the scene if it's safe to do so, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Exchange information with the other driver and document the scene if possible.
What to Do After a Head-on Crash in Ridgewood, NJ
Anyone involved in a crash in Ridgewood should get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
It helps to file a police report and keep a copy for your records, along with any photos taken at the scene. If you were a passenger, a ride-share customer, or a bystander, note the names of responding officers and departments involved, since more than one agency may assist. Reach out to your insurance provider promptly to begin the claims process.
