Dashcam video captures toddler running down Oregon highway

Footage released by a US sheriff’s office has shown the terrifying moment a toddler appeared on a busy highway, running directly into oncoming traffic.

The dashcam video, posted to Oregon’s Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page today and narrated by Lieutenant Curtis Landers, has already received more than 26,000 views, 350 likes and 520 shares.

Rendered in night vision black-and-white, the video shows the ghostly figure of a two-year-old child racing down a highway identified as US Route 101.

Upon sighting the child, the driver – a local deputy – immediately pulls up, emerging from the cabin and bending to scoop the oblivious child up before they can come to harm.

The toddler had reportedly escaped from a nearby community centre while their family was preoccupied cleaning up, following a gathering.

The incident was deemed by police to be accidental and no criminal charges brought against any of those involved.

The video caption states the purpose behind sharing the video was to raise awareness about “the dangers of distracted driving”.