Mother Fatally Runs Over 3-Year-Old Daughter In Driveway

Fountain, Colorado -- A 3-year-old girl was killed when her mother ran over her in their driveway in Colorado. Officials believe the death was a tragic accident.

The incident took place around 9 a.m. Sunday at a home near Fontaine Boulevard and Lamprey Drive in Fountain. Colorado State Patrol confirmed that the 27-year-old woman behind the wheel was the deceased toddler’s mother. The parent's name was not disclosed, according to Denver7.

The child sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but did not make it.

Officials believe the incident was an accident and that drugs and alcohol were not involved, a spokesperson for the Colorado State Patrol said.

Investigators said the mother was at the wheel trying to reposition the vehicle in their driveway during the incident. The mother quickly hit the breaks when another car drove by, which was when her 3-year-old daughter came in the car’s way. The girl was in the driver's blind spot when the mother moved the car again and fatally struck her, WAFB reported.

The incident continues to be investigated.

Children below the age of five suffer the greatest risk of being run over because drivers fail to see them, Director of Kids and Car Safety Amber Rollins told KKTV 11 News.

Rollins also noted that at least 50 children in the U.S. fall victims to such accidents every week, which are easily preventable with a little more supervision.

“You want to be very mindful anytime someone is leaving or expecting to arrive at the home when children are directly supervised,” Rollins told the outlet. “When we say directly supervised, we mean hands-on. If you got a toddler and you know that they are notorious for bolting away from you, hold them.”

Rollins also said it is important for drivers to take a look at their front, back and side mirrors before the car moves. A childproof doorknob can also prevent young kids from darting out of the house.

Sergeant Troy Kessler with Colorado State Patrol encouraged drivers to use the cameras in their cars more often.

“We should always be very cautious of what is around us when we are moving and not to rely on the equipment fully because if it goes inoperable at any point, you are still responsible for where that vehicle goes,” Kessler told the outlet.