SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Jan. 30, 3019 (Gephardt Daily) — A 4-year-old boy is dead after a three-vehicle traffic accident Wednesday afternoon in South Jordan.
Lt. Matt Pennington, South Jordan Police Department, told Gephardt Daily that the accident — a three vehicle collision — happened at about 4 p.m. at 3735 W. South Jordan Parkway.
Pennington said a man in a Dodge Neon, driving eastbound with three children in his car, and he failed to see cars stopped at a traffic light. The man, whose 4.5 year old son — now identified as D’mondre Brown — was in the front passenger seat of Neon.
The Neon struck the back of one car, which was then pushed forward into another stopped car.
“There was minor to no injuries in the vehicles hit,” Pennington said. “In the vehicle that started the accident, an adult male and three juveniles were in the car, and the 4 year old was in the front seat.
“The airbag deployment caused significant injuries to the child. He was taken to Riverton Hospital, and we were notified a while ago that he passed away.”
The man’s car was traveling at a relatively low rate of speed, Pennington said. It was later estimated to be about 35 mph or less.
“We are pretty sure it was the airbag that deployed that caused the injuries,” he said.
Two children in the back seat were treated for minor injuries at the scene, Pennington said. The father showed no signs of impairment at the scene.
“It seems to just a really tragic accident,” Pennington said.
Asked if D’mondre should have been in the front seat, Pennington said that children of that age should be strapped into child car seats in the back seat.
Pennington said it appeared it. D’mondre was restrained by a regular seatbelt intended for adults.
The WJPD released a statement at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, saying the accident was still under investigation to determine the cause. The news release also included the following statement:
“We would like to remind drivers Utah law states children up to age 8 must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat. Additionally, children should ride rear-facing until at least 2 years of age and 30 pounds, or longer if the car seat allows.
“Children can ride forward-facing with a harness until at least 4 years of age and 40 pounds, or longer if the car seat allows. Children who are at least 4 years of age
and 40 pounds can ride in a booster seat until the seatbelt fits correctly and the child is at least 4 feet 9 inches.
“It is recommended all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat.”
I believe D’mondre was 5, as he is in the kindergarten class at my children’s school. The school notified parents of his passing. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.