Why Shouldn’t Kids Be Able to Sit in the Front Seat of a Car If They Don’t Need a Safety Seat Anymore?

The laws regarding child passenger safety change year after year. Ultimately, this is for the benefit children and parents alike. The tragic loss of a child in a catastrophic car accident is something that no parent should have to experience.

Presently, the law recommends that no child under the age of 12 sit in the front seat of a car. There are too many potential dangers to consider that could bring serious harm to any child sitting in the front of a vehicle. Any driver should be conscious of these dangers and insist that all children remain safely seated in the back of a car.

Why Your Child May Still Need A Child Car Seat

• Head-on collisions are among the most common types of car collisions in the D.C. area. They are also some of the most catastrophic crashes as well, resulting in serious injuries or even death. The high speeds of many head-on collisions create great force when two vehicles collide, which increases the severity of bodily injuries.
• Seat belts are designed and tested with adults in mind. Minimum weight and height recommendations for seat belts are based on average adult sizes, and the belts may not be able to safely restrain a child’s small frame in the event of a crash.
• Airbags are calibrated to inflate with tremendous force at extreme speeds. Once again, because they are tested against adult-sized crash dummies, these airbags can cause severe harm to a small child sitting in the front seat. Children commonly sustain crushing chest injuries, internal bleeding, fractures, and head or back injuries due to the impact from airbags.

It is only because of the modern advances in vehicle safety that we know what to do about child passenger safety. Please insist that every child riding in your vehicle who does not meet the recommended age, height and weight standards sit in the back seat. This may protect them from serious harm in the event of a car crash.

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