Elk Grove, CA (September 9, 2025) – A heartbreaking accident in Elk Grove claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl on Sunday afternoon after she was struck by a vehicle backing out of a residential driveway. The incident occurred around 3:44 p.m. on September 7 on Point Pleasant Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities reported that a Nissan sedan was reversing out of a private driveway when it struck the child, who was standing behind the vehicle alongside a 33-year-old man. Emergency responders from the Cosumnes Fire Department arrived quickly and immediately initiated life-saving efforts.
The young girl was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite all medical efforts, she later died from her injuries. Her name has not been released as authorities notify her family and process the tragic event.
The 29-year-old woman driving the Nissan remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officials noted that impairment was not believed to be a factor in the crash. CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including vehicle position, visibility, and situational awareness.
This devastating loss has shaken the Elk Grove community, especially given the involvement of such a young child in a preventable type of collision.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the child during this time of unimaginable grief.
Driveway Backover Accidents and Child Safety in California
Fatal incidents like the one on Point Pleasant Road are among the most tragic, as they often occur in or near what should be a safe environment—one’s own driveway. Known as “backover” accidents, these collisions happen when a driver fails to see a person, often a small child, directly behind the vehicle while reversing. Due to their size and limited visibility behind many vehicles, young children are especially at risk.
In this case, a brief moment changed lives forever. Though the driver remained on-site and cooperated fully, the outcome was still fatal. Accidents of this nature are rarely intentional—but their impact is permanent. Each year, hundreds of children across the U.S. are injured or killed in similar incidents, typically involving a family member, friend, or neighbor.
Elk Grove and similar communities are home to many families with young children, making public education and proactive safety steps essential. Tools such as rearview cameras and backup sensors can help, but they are not foolproof. Constant awareness, walking around the vehicle before reversing, and teaching children about vehicle safety zones are key measures to help reduce these tragedies.
For families facing such a devastating loss, the grief is compounded by the suddenness and deeply personal nature of the event. Medical bills, funeral planning, and emotional trauma can quickly become overwhelming.
At Local Accident Reports, we are here to provide compassionate guidance and connect families with support services following tragic incidents like this one. If your family has been affected by a serious accident involving a child, please reach out to us today. We’re here to help you navigate this painful time with care, resources, and clarity.
