Olivia Lloyd
The Charlotte Observer
(TNS)
A 2-year-old girl who was left with a babysitter walked away from home and was killed by a car, Virginia authorities said.
The toddler somehow got out of the house before the crash happened at about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, according to a news release from the Henrico County Police Department.
She walked into the eastbound lanes of Staples Mill Road, which has three lanes each way and a posted speed limit of 45 mph, when she was hit by a Honda, officials said.
The girl had “obvious signs of trauma” and was rushed to a hospital, where she died of her injuries, according to police.
The Honda driver stayed on the scene to cooperate with investigators, who said speed and alcohol didn’t appear to be involved.
“We are at a loss for words about what unfolded last night,” Henrico County Police Division Assistant Chief Lauren Edwards said. “Any time a crash or violent crime ends in a death is a horrible result, but to have a child as the victim is even more difficult to comprehend.”
The department’s special victims unit is investigating how the child left the residence.
Henrico County is part of the Richmond metropolitan area.
What to do if you’re in a car crash
More than 5.9 million traffic accidents were reported by police in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“No one wants to get into a car crash. But being prepared and knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can save lives, reduce injuries and make the claims process simpler and easier,” the Insurance Information Institute said on its website.
Here are 10 things you should do if you’re in a car crash:
- Pull the vehicle over to a safe place on the side of the road if possible.
- Assess any possible injuries and make sure everyone is OK.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Assess the car damage and take photos if possible.
- Don’t leave the scene.
- If the vehicle involved was unattended, leave a note with your name and phone number.
- Note the names and contact information of everyone in the crash, the makes and models of the cars, and the location of the crash.
- Ask other drivers for a license, car registration and insurance ID.
- Report the crash to police or highway patrol.
- File an accident report even if police can’t come to the scene, and notify your insurance shortly after.
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