3-year-old not in car seat dies as intoxicated driver slams into pole, Texas cops say

A man was believed to be intoxicated when he crashed into a utility pole, killing a 3-year-old child who was not properly restrained, Texas cops say.

The fatal single-vehicle crash happened Sunday, June 2, in Bayton, an eastern suburb of Houston, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the 40-year-old driver veered off the road and struck the utility pole. He and the toddler were both ejected from the SUV.

The 3-year-old child, whose identity has not been publicly released, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff.

Investigators believe an adult seat belt was being used for the toddler instead of a car seat.

“It is not OK to let your toddler or small child ride in a vehicle using just a seat belt,” Gonzalez said in a tweet. “The risk of serious injury or death increases significantly when a child is not secured in a proper car seat or restraint.”

Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children up to 3 years old are recommended to be in rear-facing car seats, and ones up to 7 years old should be in forward-facing car seats, the federal agency says.

Gonzalez said the driver was uninjured. He is accused of being intoxicated and speeding, KHOU reported.

He is facing a murder charge, KTRK reported.

This story was originally published July 3, 2023 at 10:23 AM with the headline "3-year-old not in car seat dies as intoxicated driver slams into pole, Texas cops say."