Where should children aged 12 and younger ride in a vehicle?

Children aged 12 and younger should always ride in the back seat of a vehicle. This safety practice is supported by research which shows that the back seat provides a safer environment for younger passengers in the event of a crash. The back seat is typically further away from the impact zone and reduces the risk of injury from airbags, which can deploy with significant force.

The front seat can expose children to greater risks, particularly from airbag deployment, which can cause severe injury to small passengers. Other unsafe options, such as riding in the trunk or in an adult's lap, compromise safety standards and increase danger in case of sudden stops or accidents, reinforcing the importance of having children properly seated in the back.