DELMAR, Del. - A toddler is killed in a car crash, and now the question on the minds of the investigators is, would 2-year-old Lleyton Slate still be alive if his car seat was properly installed?
On Tuesday afternoon, he was ejected from the vehicle his aunt was driving, when it spun out of control on Whitesville Road in Delmar.
"Her wheels went off the side of the road, struck the grassy area, she over-corrected, came back across the road, ultimately struck a tree which overturned the car," said Corporal Gary Fournier with Delaware State Police.
Police say the tragedy should come as a wake up call.
When word got out, officials with the Wicomico County Health Department say dozens called to request a car seat check appointment. A local instructor then gave WMDT a lesson on child passenger safety.
"We talk about making sure it fits properly. We would check to make sure that when doing the pinch test up here at the shoulder, you want to make sure you're not able to pinch at the child's shoulder," said Tammy Griffin, Child Passenger Safety Instructor.
That, along with what's called the "One-inch Test"will make sure the child is snug in the seat, and that the seat doesn't move. Experts say, the problem is so many parents believe they're doing it correctly, but say don't let the loss of a life be the determining factor.
"A tragedy probably could have been avoided if the car seat would have been fitted," said Corporal Fournier.
Investigators say the toddler's aunt is in serious condition at PRMC. They're looking into whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, and say she could be charged.
There's also a free car seat check on Friday December 7th from 1 to 4 at the Fruitland Police Department. No appointment is needed.
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