A late-night drive on Interstate 20 in Arlington turned deadly early today when a sedan slammed into the back of a dump truck, killing a 6-year-old girl, according to police. Officers responded to the westbound lanes near the U.S. 287 interchange around 12:29 a.m., where first responders rushed two children and the sedan’s driver to nearby hospitals. One of the children later died from crash injuries, while the other child and the driver are expected to survive. The dump truck driver was not hurt, authorities said.
WFAA, citing an Arlington Police Department press release, reports that investigators believe the sedan’s driver became distracted by something happening in the backseat just before the car rear-ended the dump truck. According to the release, the child who died was in a car seat at the time of the crash, but officers told reporters the child may not have been properly restrained or may have unbuckled. Police have not released the child’s name and have not announced any charges as the investigation continues.
Distracted Driving and Child-Safety Risks
National figures underscore how dangerous distraction behind the wheel can be. The NHTSA reports that distracted driving was a factor in more than 3,200 deaths in 2023. Properly used car seats and booster seats significantly cut the chances of serious injury. The CDC notes that booster seats can reduce the risk of serious injury by about 45% for children ages 4 to 8. Safety experts frequently stress that correct installation and consistent buckling can be the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal one.
Investigation and Next Steps
Arlington police said crash investigators will look closely at the vehicle damage, the condition and use of restraints, and any available video or witness statements as they work to reconstruct the collision. They are asking anyone who may have dashcam or cellphone video of the incident to contact the Arlington Police Department’s traffic division, according to WFAA. The investigation remains active, and the department has said it will share more information as it becomes available.
