A 2-year-old girl is dead after running into a traffic lane on the sands of New Smyrna Beach and being hit by a car, according to details from the preliminary investigation by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened about 4:30 p.m. on May 23 near East Seventh Avenue, and the child was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The driver stayed on scene. Authorities don’t believe speed was a factor, and they don’t believe the driver was impaired.
“The Volusia Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest condolences to the child’s family,” the agency said on Facebook.
Beach safety: If you have children, consider a quieter, non-driving spot on the beach for safety
Memorial Day weekend is usually a very busy time at some Volusia County beaches, including in New Smyrna Beach.
Earlier this week, Tammy Malphurs, director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, warned parents of the danger of driving sections of the beach.
If you’re bringing children to the beach, seek out non-driving sections of the beach, Malphurs said.
For those who choose a driving section of the beach, set up belongings and tents on the water side of the driving lane, Malphurs suggested. That will reduce the number of times kids cross the traffic lanes. Also, beachgoers should hold their child’s hand while crossing driving lanes, she added.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Girl, 2, dies after being hit by car on beach in New Smyrna
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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