The latest research confirms that children up to at least twelve years of age should ride in the back seat. Soon, it may also be the law.
It has long been recognized that the back seat is safer than the front and that the middle rear seat is the safest of all. Recent research is finding that the rear seat is of particular benefit to children. This being said, not all vehicles have back seats and not all back seats are the same.
Ironically, the danger of the front seat is worsened for children by the presence of a safety device: the airbag. New pick-up trucks and sports cars that do not have back seats are equipped with an on-off switch. It is essential to deactivate the passenger-side airbag when transporting an infant in a rear-facing seat. If your two-seater does not have an airbag on-off switch, visit www.safercar.gov for details as to how you may be eligible to qualify for a retro-fit.
Advanced air bags are making riding in the front seat safer for everyone. These are designed to automatically sense the severity of a crash as well as the size of the occupant and adjust its deployment accordingly. Advanced air bags are required on all new vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2006. However, even with an advanced air bag, the rear seat is still safer.
Children in the rear seat should obviously be restrained in an appropriately fitted and installed child restraint (a.k.a. carseat or booster) up until the age of eight and four feet seven inches in height (also soon to be law). From age eight to age twelve, the center seat is the safest as long as it has both a lap and shoulder belt. A lap only belt in the center seat warrants moving this age group (as well as those in a belt positioning booster seat) to one of the outboard seats.
Anytime I write about car related safety issues I am struck by how complicated the subject is and how many variations exist. It is for this reason that I strongly encourage all parents to seek out professional assistance regarding the fitting, installation and location of carseats and boosters. Every county has resources available, most of them free of charge. Start by contacting your local law enforcement, Safe Kids (www.safekids.org) or the highway patrol.
Finally, vehicle selection impacts safety as well. Surprisingly, children riding in the backseat of SUV’s and compact extended cab pick-ups experience dramatically higher rates of abdominal injuries than those in minivans or sedans. So, if safety is your priority, trade in that Escalade for a minivan and have her ride in the back seat for a few more years.