Ocean County, NJ (August 1, 2025) – Early on Thursday morning, July 31, a construction worker was fatally struck by a suspected intoxicated driver in Ocean County.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Route 9 near Raymond Avenue in Toms River. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, a northbound vehicle hit the 50-year-old worker while he was performing roadside duties. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His identity has not yet been released.
The driver, identified as 51-year-old Douglas Smith of Toms River, was charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. Investigators noted signs of impairment at the scene and obtained a blood sample at a nearby hospital. Additional charges may follow pending the results of toxicology tests.
No other information was available at the time of the report, and the police investigation remains ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
The Risks of Impaired Driving in New Jersey
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses serious dangers, not only for the impaired driver but for everyone on the road. In New Jersey, impaired driving remains a leading cause of severe and fatal crashes.
Here are key risks and facts to be aware of:
- Delayed Reaction Time: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react quickly to road hazards, traffic signals, and sudden stops.
- Poor Judgment: Impaired drivers are more likely to make risky decisions, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs, or failing to yield to pedestrians or construction workers.
- Reduced Coordination: Substances affect motor skills, making it harder to steer, brake, or maintain lane position safely.
- Legal Consequences: A DWI conviction in New Jersey can result in steep fines, license suspension, increased insurance costs, and potential jail time. Penalties are even more severe if someone is injured or killed.
- Endangering Vulnerable Road Users: Construction workers, pedestrians, and cyclists are at higher risk when impaired drivers are on the road, especially during nighttime or in work zones.
- Increased Crash Severity: Studies show that crashes involving impaired drivers often result in more serious injuries or fatalities compared to other collisions.
Roadside construction workers face daily dangers, especially during overnight hours and in high-traffic areas like Route 9. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences can be devastating, not only for the victims but also for their families left behind. Fatal crashes like this one are tragic reminders of how one reckless decision can change lives forever.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, a wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. From dealing with insurance companies to pursuing compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering, the right legal support can make a meaningful difference during an incredibly difficult time.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have decades of experience standing up for families in New Jersey who have suffered heartbreaking losses due to impaired or reckless drivers. Our compassionate legal team is ready to listen, guide, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Call us today at (800) 923-3456. Your consultation is always free and confidential. Let Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq be your voice when it matters most.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
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