Where should child car safety seats be placed?

Child car safety seats should be placed in the rear seat of a vehicle. This recommendation is based on safety studies that demonstrate children are at a higher risk of injury in the front seat during a crash, especially when the airbags deploy. The rear seat offers a safer environment for young passengers, as it is farther away from the impact zone in the event of a collision.

Additionally, placing child safety seats in the rear seat reduces their exposure to potential hazards caused by airbags. In many vehicles, front passenger airbags can cause significant harm to children when activated, making the rear seat the safest option. It is also important that child safety seats are securely installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and that children are properly strapped in to maximize safety.

The other options, such as placing children in the front seat or on the passenger's lap, severely compromise their safety and are not in line with current safety recommendations. Putting a safety seat in the trunk is dangerous and not an appropriate location for a child, as it lacks seatbelts, proper restraints, and is not designed for passenger safety.