Indianapolis, IN (September 10, 2026) – A 3-year-old girl died on Tuesday night, September 8, after reportedly being struck in a driveway in the 5300 block of West Southport Road. Authorities said the crash was reported around 9:38 p.m. in the West Newton neighborhood on the city’s southwest side.
The child, identified by officials as Faith Danielle Smith, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. She was not transported to a hospital, officials said.
Details about the vehicle involved and the circumstances leading up to the crash have not been released. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not said whether any charges are expected.
Officials have not released additional information about who was driving or what led up to the crash. Investigators are continuing to gather information, according to authorities.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Driveway Accidents Involving Young Children Keep Happening
Driveways create a blind spot problem that most drivers never think about until it’s too late. A small child standing or crouching behind a vehicle can disappear entirely from a driver’s sightline, especially with larger trucks and SUVs, where the rear blind zone can extend well beyond a car length. Backing up, even slowly, leaves almost no time to react if a child darts into that zone.
These crashes tend to cluster around routine moments: a driver pulling in or out of a home driveway, often a family member, at times when young kids are outside unsupervised for even a few seconds. Distraction, low light, and the assumption that “someone else is watching the child” all play a role. Because the vehicle is moving at low speed, some drivers don’t expect a fatal outcome to be possible, but a child’s small size and low height make them especially hard to detect from behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of those deaths involved low-speed, close-proximity situations rather than high-speed roadway collisions, a pattern that includes driveway and parking-area incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vehicle speed matter in pedestrian crashes, even at low speeds?
Yes. Survival odds drop sharply as speed increases, but even crashes under 10 mph can be fatal for small children due to their size and vulnerability to being struck or run over.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur in and around residential areas, parking lots, and driveways, not just on busy roads. Backing vehicles are a common factor in crashes involving young children.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Reduced visibility does increase risk, and a large share of pedestrian deaths nationally occur after dark, though incidents also happen in daylight, particularly in driveways and residential settings.
What should someone do after a pedestrian is struck?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving the injured person unless there’s an immediate danger, and wait for emergency responders. Do not attempt to move the vehicle unless instructed by dispatchers.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Indianapolis, Indiana
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 right away and stay on the line until help arrives. Keep the area clear and avoid moving anyone who is injured unless there is an immediate safety threat. If children are present, try to keep them calm and away from the scene.
Anyone involved, even indirectly, should seek a medical evaluation afterward, since shock can mask injuries. Cooperate with responding officers and provide an accurate account of what you observed. In Indianapolis, incident reports are typically handled through local police records, and families can follow up with the department for updates as the investigation continues.
