I still vividly recall that summer when I was about 12, racing my friend Mia around her backyard in her dad’s old, rusty VW Bug, which was really just a large cow pasture. We shifted into first gear, then second, tearing up clumps of grass, all while squealing with joy at our attempts to do donuts—careful not to collide with the ancient apple tree by the barn.
That was back in the 1980s, a time when parents didn’t seem to mind if kids took a joyride every now and then. Nowadays, we have video games like Grand Theft Auto to simulate the thrill, right?
My 7-year-old son is currently obsessed with fast cars. He might not distinguish between a Ford and a Ferrari, but he gets the concept of speed and knows that the front seat is the ultimate spot for all the buttons, controls, and a clear view out the window. So, every time we head out, he starts pleading to sit in the front.
“But Mom! Look how tall I am now!”
“No,” I reply. “You’re not old enough for the front seat.”
“But Mom! I promise I won’t touch anything!”
“No,” I say—forever and always.
Like most kids, mine is eager to grow up and experience all the things he sees as “cool” because older kids get to do them. It’s like those carnival rides that require you to be 4 feet tall or to not be in a “baby booster seat,” as he puts it.
While I want to encourage his independence and make him feel responsible, there are safety laws designed to protect kids from harm. Unfortunately for my little speed demon, sitting in the front seat before he’s ready is one of those rules, and there’s plenty of data to support it.
He’ll just have to keep being a backseat driver for a while longer. According to the CDC, all children under 12 should ride in the backseat. The backseat is the safest spot for all passengers, period. Additionally, airbags are made for adults, and their deployment can be dangerous—even fatal—for children, even when they’re properly buckled in. It’s simply not worth the risk.
This is disappointing news for my son, who dreams of sitting in the front seat. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait a long time because both the law and I say so.
Note that child car safety laws differ by state, and you can find relevant information for your area here. Ultimately, the safest place for kids is in the backseat, secured in a correctly installed car seat or booster. For more on transportation safety, including proper car seat installation, you can find a certified child passenger safety technician in your area and check out trusted resources like The Car Seat Lady.
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In summary, while kids may long for the thrill of sitting in the front seat, safety regulations are there for a reason, ensuring their well-being.